Brenda Blethyn and Jessica Reynolds to lead Channel 4's new 'A Woman of Substance' adaptation

The new adaptation comes 40 years after the original became Channel 4's most-watched drama ever.

As filming begins in Yorkshire on a brand new adaptation of Barbara Taylor Bradford's A Woman of Substance, Channel 4 has announced that Brenda Blethyn will lead as Emma Harte, with Jessica Reynolds playing the younger version of the iconic character. A housemaid-turned-mogul, daughter, mother, lover, fighter and a 20th century feminist icon who refused to know her ‘place’.

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. 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.

On joining A Woman of Substance as Emma Harte, 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."

To which Jessica 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."

Joining the ensemble cast are Emmett J Scanlan as Adam Fairley, Lydia Leonard as Olivia Wainwright, Leanne Best as Adele Fairley, Ewan Horrocks as Edwin Fairley, Harry Cadby as Gerald Fairley, Will Mellor as Jack Harte, Lenny Rush as Frank Harte, Niall Wright as Mac, Robert Wilfort as Murgatroyd, Toby Regbo as Jim Fairley, Hiftu Quasem as Priya Chandra, Sophie Bould as Elizabeth Harte and Georgina Sadler as Polly.

Produced by The Forge Entertainment, a Banijay UK company, the eight-part drama has been written by Katherine Jakeways and co-written by Roanne Bardsley, will be produced by Charlie Palmer, with the first block directed by John Hardwick and will be executive produced by Beth Willis, Joe Innes, George Faber and Katherine Jakeways.

When A Woman of Substance was made 40 years ago, it was Channel 4's biggest ever drama. 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.

Speaking about A Woman of Substance, Rebecca Holdsworth, Commissioning Editor, Drama at Channel 4 said "Attracting an ensemble cast of this quality is testament to Katherine and Roanne’s exceptional scripts. We are so excited to be bringing this fresh, sexy and bold adaptation of an iconic book to Channel 4."

A Woman of Substance will air on Channel 4