A Woman of Substance, the highly-anticipated Yorkshire-set revenge drama starring Brenda Blethyn and Emmett J Scanlan, has confirmed its release date. And in even better news, it’s not too far away!
The upcoming Channel 4 series is based on Barbara Taylor Bradford’s 1979 novel of the same name, with the action following Emma Harte (Blethyn and Jessica Reynolds) on her journey from poverty to affluence.
Written by Katherine Jakeways and Roanne Bardsley, the drama is eagerly awaited by audiences, and they won’t have to wait too long as Channel 4 has confirmed that the series will premiere on Wednesday 11 March at 9pm.
The second episode will air at the same time on the following night, though the schedule for the remaining six episodes is yet to be confirmed. If you just can’t wait, then all eight parts will be available to stream on Channel 4 following the premiere.
“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,” reads the logline.
Channel 4
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“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.”
Bradford’s novel was adapted for the small screen in 1985, with Jenny Seagrove and Deborah Kerr sharing the role of Emma across the two timelines. The supporting cast had some big names too, with Liam Neeson and Miranda Richardson appearing.
Channel 4
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“I’m overjoyed to be taking on this iconic role, in the footsteps of the great Deborah Kerr,” said Blethyn of the new adaptation. “As a fan of Barbara Taylor Bradford, it is an unmissable opportunity to play the fierce Emma Harte.”
“To step into the shoes of Emma is an absolute dream for me,” added Reynolds. “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.”
A Woman of Substance premieres on Channel 4 on Wednesday 11 March.
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Reporter, Digital Spy George is a freelance writer who specialises in Movies and TV. After graduating with a degree in Film Studies and Journalism from De Montfort University, in which he analysed the early works of Richard Linklater for his dissertation, he wrote for several websites for GRV Media. His film tastes vary from blockbusters like Mission: Impossible and John Wick to international directors such as Paolo Sorrentino and Hirokazu Kore-eda, and has attended both the London and Berlin film festivals.