TV Casting News: Brenda Blethyn to return to TV and star in channel 4 adaptation of ‘A Woman of Substance’

According to National World, Brenda Blethyn is set to star in a new Channel 4 adaptation of the Barbara Taylor Bradford novel A Woman of Substance. She will appear alongside Outlander star Jessica Reynolds in the new production, as well as Mobland’s Emmett J Scanlan, Gentleman Jack star Lydia Leonard, and This City Is Our actress Leanne Best. 

Speaking about joining the show, Brenda 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.”

The synopsis for A Woman of Substance, an adaptation of which previously aired on Channel 4 in 1985, reads: "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 master plan: Get to the top. Whatever it takes."

The new show will be Brenda’s grand return to the television screen after she wrapped up the beloved ITV crime drama Vera in the New Year. The final episode of the hit series aired on January 2.