‘Bold adaptation’ with Vera’s Brenda Blethyn and Dᴇᴀᴛʜ in Paradise star gets series update
Brenda Blethyn looks worlds away from Vera Stanhope in her new Channel 4 series.
Channel 4’s fresh take on the classic tale, A Woman of Substance, has announced another major star to its line-up – EastEnders veteran Jo Joyner. Joe will join Vera’s Brenda Blethyn and Dᴇᴀᴛʜ in Paradise star Will Mellor in the forthcoming eight-part series, based on Barbara Taylor Bradford’s novel of the same name.
Brenda portrays Emma Harte, a woman who embarks on an extraordinary “rags to riches” journey. The character of Emma is portrayed by both Brenda and Jessica Reynolds, with the latter playing her at a younger age. They step into the roles previously played by Deborah Kerr and Jenny Seagrove in the 1985 Channel 4 adaptation.
RadioTimes.com has now also revealed that Stay Close and Ackley Bridge actress Jo will portray Elizabeth Harte Ainsley in the new series. Elizabeth, Emma’s eventual daughter, shockingly betrays her mother, leading to a breach of trust.
This betrayal spurs Emma to seek vengeance against those she perceives as traitors – needless to say, Elizabeth falls squarely into this category. Here’s an exclusive first glimpse of Joyner in her role, courtesy of Channel 4.
Brenda Blethyn has landed a new role after her exit from Vera (Image: Channel 4)
Will Mellor appeared alongside Kris Marshall in Dᴇᴀᴛʜ in Paradise (Image: BBC)
Throughout the series, viewers will witness Emma’s transformation from a penniless, ambitious maid in 1911 to the world’s wealthiest woman several decades later, having defied societal norms and broken glass ceilings along the way.
“Her masterplan: Get to the top. Whatever it takes,” the synopsis tantalisingly hints.
The extensive ensemble of A Woman of Substance features Emmett J Scanlan, Lydia Leonard, Lenny Rush, and Robert Wilfort.
Additionally, viewers can anticipate appearances from Leanne Best (This City Is Ours), Ewan Horrocks (The Last Kingdom), Harry Cadby (In Flight), Toby Regbo (A Discovery of Witches), Hiftu Quasem (The Witcher), Georgina Sadler (Boarders), and Niall Wright (Slow Horses).
Jo Joyner will play Brenda Blethyn’s daughter in the bold adaptation (Image: Channel 4)
The production brings together the creative minds behind Apple TV’s The Buccaneers, including writers Katherine Jakeways and Roanne Bardsley, alongside director John Hardwick, who helmed the initial filming block.
Rebecca Holdsworth, commissioning editor at Channel 4, commented: “Attracting an ensemble cast of this quality is a testament to Katherine and Roanne’s exceptional scripts. We are so excited to be bringing this fresh, s.e.x.y, and bold adaptation of an iconic book to Channel 4.”
A Woman of Substance will be available to stream and watch on Channel 4 shortly.
