Channel 4 has released first look images of the new adaptation of Barbara Taylor Bradford’s A Woman of Substance starring Brenda Blethyn (Vera, Pride and Prejudice) and Jessica Reynolds (House of Guinness, Kneecap).
A Previous adaptation of the novel was Channel 4’s biggest ever drama when it was made 40 years ago.
Coming to Channel 4 next year, the images feature Brenda Blethyn and Jessica Reynolds as the two versions of Emma Harte; “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.
Produced by The Forge Entertainment (National Treasure, The Buccaneers, Marriage), a Banijay UK company, the eight-part series is written by Katherine Jakeways and co-written by Roanne Bardsley. A Woman of Substance will be distributed internationally by Banijay Rights.
A Woman of Substance was commissioned for Channel 4 by Rebecca Holdsworth, Commissioning Editor and Gwawr Lloyd, Acting Head of Drama. Executive producers are Beth Willis, Joe Innes, George Faber, Katherine Jakeways and The Barbara Taylor Bradford Trust. Roanne Bardsley is co-executive producer, and Charlie Palmer is the producer. John Hardwick directs block one, Samantha Harries for block two and Richard Senior for block three.
Filming took place in Yorkshire and transmission details will be announced in due course.
Jon Creamer
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