A Woman of Substance returning to Channel 4 for a second series

The first series averaged 3 million viewers per episode, becoming Channel 4's biggest drama in 5 years.

Following the huge success of its first series earlier this year, Channel 4 has confirmed that A Woman of Substance will return for a second eight-part series.

The news comes over 40 years since the original adaptation of Barbara Taylor Bradford OBE's bestselling novel became Channel 4's most-watched drama ever. The first series of this new adaptation averaged 3 million viewers per episode, becoming Channel 4's biggest drama in 5 years.

Brenda Blethyn and Jessica Reynolds will return to play the older and younger Emma Harte, in this rags-to-riches tale of women through the 20th century. And series one ended with Emma’s granddaughter and chosen heir, Paula, revealing that she had secretly married into the Fairley family, potentially undoing a lifetime of revenge.

In series two, we rejoin the unstoppable Emma Harte as she emerges from World War I and strides into the glittering, fast-changing world of the 1920s.

Emma's ambition for the Harte name is unrelenting, as is her determination to make the Fairley family pay. But she has passion to contend with, in the form of the infuriatingly charismatic Paul McGill, and she'll also endure devastating loss and face unexpected betrayals from those she holds most dear.

Meanwhile, in the 1970s, Emma battles to win back her life’s work from Jim Fairley. It’s one thing to reach the top, and another to stay there.

Katherine Jakeways will return to write series two alongside Roanne Bardsley, and filming will commence in Yorkshire later this year.

Speaking ahead of the show's return, Channel 4's interim drama boss Gwawr Lloyd said "Following the incredible success and popularity of the brilliant first series, we’re thrilled to be bringing the incomparable and iconic Emma Harte back to Channel 4 again. Series two will continue Emma’s story with all the ambition, drama and family intrigue that made A Woman of Substance such a compelling and irresistible watch."

"I’d like to thank writers Katherine Jakeways and Roanne Bardsley, who I’m delighted to say are returning to pen the second series, alongside executive producers Beth Willis and Joe Innes from The Forge Entertainment for their commitment to the show. I’d also like to thank Brenda Blethyn and Jessica Reynolds for bringing Emma Harte to life with such passion, along with all the cast who ensured that series one captured the audience’s hearts."

To which writers and executive producers Katherine Jakeways and Roanne Bardsley added "We couldn’t be more delighted to be back with our beloved Emma Harte. The higher she climbs, the greater the risks, and we’re looking forward to more of everything we adore – heart-soaring romance, gut-wrenching loss, and of course, delicious revenge."

Made by The Forge, the second series of A Woman of Substance will be written by Katherine Jakeways and Roanne Bardsley, directed by Richard Senior and executive produced by Beth Willis, Joe Innes, Jakeways and Bardsley alongside The Barbara Taylor Bradford Trust.

Ahead of the show's return, Executive Producer and co-Managing Director at The Forge Entertainment, Beth Willis said "The Forge are so delighted to dive back into the delicious world of Emma Harte for Channel 4. It’s a privilege to be working again with the ultimate Women of Substance - the incredible Jessica Reynolds and Brenda Blethyn, Katherine Jakeways and Roanne Bardsley - and of course The Barbara Taylor Bradford Trust."

To which H.E. Vicki Downey, Trustee of The Barbara Taylor Bradford Trust added "Emma Harte is a woman who refuses to be defeated by poverty, by betrayal and by the limitations others place upon her. That story has resonated with readers for nearly five decades, and it is clear from the response to the new TV adaptation that audiences feel exactly the same connection. There is so much more of Emma's world to explore, and we are thrilled that Channel 4 is bringing the next part of Emma’s extraordinary life to the screen.”

Further details will be announced in due course.

A Woman of Substance will return to Channel 4