Channel 4 has announced that filming is officially underway in Yorkshire on a brand-new adaptation of ‘A Woman of Substance‘, based on the bestselling novel by Barbara Taylor Bradford.
Leading the cast is BAFTA-winner Brenda Blethyn (Vera, Pride and Prejudice) as the formidable Emma Harte, alongside Jessica Reynolds (Kneecap, Outlander), who portrays the younger version of the iconic lead character.
Set in 1911, A Woman of Substance follows Emma Harte, an impoverished maid who embarks on a remarkable journey from servitude in Yorkshire to becoming one of the wealthiest women in the world. It’s a sweeping, rags-to-riches tale of ambition, determination, and breaking barriers, as Emma smashes through the glass ceilings of her time without ever losing sight of her ultimate goal – to get to the top, whatever it takes.
Speaking about the role, Brenda Blethyn said:
“I’m overjoyed to be taking on this iconic role, in the footsteps of the great Deborah Kerr. As a fan of Barbara Taylor Bradford, it is an unmissable opportunity to play the fierce Emma Harte.”
Jessica Reynolds added:
“To be a part of A Woman of Substance and step into the shoes of Emma is an absolute dream for me. The team and cast behind this are truly inspiring, and I’m so excited to bring this great piece of literature to the screen.”
Joining the ensemble are Emmett J Scanlan (Kin), Lydia Leonard (Gentleman Jack), Leanne Best (This City Is Ours), Ewan Horrocks (The Last Kingdom), Harry Cadby (Everything Now), Will Mellor (Mr Bates vs the Post Office), BAFTA-winner Lenny Rush (Am I Being Unreasonable), Niall Wright (Slow Horses), Robert Wilfort (Gavin and Stacey), Toby Regbo (A Discovery of Witches), Hiftu Quasem (The Witcher), Sophie Bould (Sex Education), and Georgina Sadler (Silo).
Produced by The Forge Entertainment (National Treasure, The Buccaneers, Marriage), a Banijay UK company, the eight-part drama is written by Katherine Jakeways (The Buccaneers), with Roanne Bardsley (Screw, The Buccaneers) serving as co-writer.
Previously Emmy-nominated and Channel 4’s biggest ever drama when it was made 40 years ago, this new revenge romp is a re-imagining of the multi-million bestselling novel and global phenomenon written by Barbara Taylor Bradford, which feels just as searingly relevant today as it did back then.
Rebecca Holdsworth, Commissioning Editor for Drama at Channel 4, commented:
“Attracting an ensemble cast of this quality is testament to Katherine and Roanne’s exceptional scripts. We’re thrilled to bring this fresh and bold adaptation to Channel 4 audiences.”
The eight-part series is executive produced by Beth Willis, Joe Innes, George Faber, and Katherine Jakeways, alongside Barbara Taylor Bradford. Roanne Bardsley is co-executive producer, with Charlie Palmer (Extraordinary, Agatha Raisin) producing and John Hardwick (The Buccaneers, The A Word) directing the opening block.
Transmission details for ‘A Woman of Substance‘ will be announced at a later date. If you want to keep track of this or any other show, you can add it via our Never Miss system, and you’ll be notified when it gets a UK premiere date.
