First-look images from Channel 4’s Yorkshire-set drama show Brenda Blethyn transformed into the iconic lead character Emma Harte.
A Woman of Substance will see the Vera star appear as the character from the multi-million bestselling novel of the same name.
Channel 4 first adapted the story back in 1984 with Deborah Kerr taking on the role of Emma in the revenge drama.
What to Read Next
Set to be released next year, a sneak peek into the latest adaptation shows Blethyn walking down a corridor looking effortlessly cool in a flowing white coat, black sunglasses, and a multi-coloured scarf.
A synopsis reads: “1911. Emma Harte, an impoverished ambitious maid in Yorkshire, England goes on a dizzying journey to become the world’s richest woman, gazing down from a sprawling luxury New York penthouse.
Channel 4
Related: Best streaming services UK 2025 — including Disney Plus, Netflix, iPlayer and Apple TV+
“A rags-to-riches tale of women through the 20th century, Emma defies the expectations of her society, fearlessly challenging the roles she’s given, smashing glass ceilings, and never, ever deviating from her masterplan: Get to the top. Whatever it takes.”
House of Guinness and Kneecap star Jessica Reynolds will star alongside Blethyn as an alternative version of Emma in A Woman of Substance. An exact release date for the series is yet to be announced.
Previously speaking about the role, Blethyn said she was “overjoyed” to be appearing in the adaptation.
“I’m overjoyed to be taking on this iconic role, in the footsteps of the great Deborah Kerr,” she began.
Channel 4
“As a fan of Barbara Taylor Bradford, it is an unmissable opportunity to play the fierce Emma Harte.”
Reynolds added: “To be a part of A Woman of Substance and to step into the shoes of Emma is an absolute dream for me.
“The team and cast we have behind this are truly inspiring, and I’m so excited to bring the stunning scripts and this great piece of literature to the screen.”
The cast also includes Emmett J Scanlan as Adam Fairley, Lydia Leonard as Olivia Wainwright, Sophie Bould as Elizabeth Harte, Leanne Best as Adele Fairley, and Will Mellor as Jack Harte.
A Woman of Substance will air on Channel 4.
The new edition of Living Legends is here! Buy Gaga in newsagents or online, priced at just £8.99.
Freelance Reporter, Digital Spy
Rebecca is a freelance journalist who specializes in TV and film. After beginning her career as a digital entertainment journalist for the Express & Star and Shropshire Star, she embarked on a freelance career in 2021 contributing to the likes of Metro UK, The Sun, WhatCulture, Screen Rant, FilmHounds Magazine and more.
Her particular field of interest is horror cinema and she has written for genre publications such as Ghouls Magazine and Moving Pictures Film Club.
LinkedIn