A Woman Of Substance | Preview (Channel 4)

Based on the multi-million bestselling novel and global phenomenon written by Barbara Taylor Bradford OBE. Previously Emmy-nominated and Channel 4’s biggest ever drama when it was made 40 years ago, this new revenge romp feels as searingly relevant today as it did back then.

The series stars Brenda Blethyn (Vera, Pride and Prejudice) and Jessica Reynolds (House of Guinness, Kneecap) 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. 

Joining the ensemble cast are Emmett J Scanlan (Kin, Mobland) as Adam Fairley, Lydia Leonard (The Mirror and The Light, Gentleman Jack) as Olivia Wainwright, Leanne Best (This City Is Ours, G'Wed) as Adele Fairley, Ewan Horrocks (The Last Kingdom, Domina) as Edwin Fairley, Harry Cadby (In Flight, Everything Now) as Gerald Fairley, Will Mellor (Mr Bates vs the Post Office, Line of Duty) as Jack Harte.

Plus BAFTA-winning Lenny Rush (Am I Being Unreasonable, Doctor Who) as Frank Harte, Niall Wright (Hope Street, Slow Horses) as Mac, Robert Wilfort (Gavin and Stacey, Wolf Hall) as Murgatroyd, Toby Regbo (Belgravia, A Discovery of Witches) as Jim Fairley, Hiftu Quasem (The Witcher, Ten Percent) as Priya Chandra, Sophie Bould (Call The Midwife, Sex Education) as Elizabeth Harte and Georgina Sadler (Silo, Boarders) as Polly.

Brenda Blethyn says: “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.”

Jessica Reynolds says: “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.”

A Woman Of Substance begins Wednesday 11th March at 9pm on Channel 4.