Brenda Blethyn unrecognisable as she takes on 'iconic role' in Channel 4 reboot

Wales Online

03-06-2025

Brenda Blethyn unrecognisable as she takes on 'iconic role' in Channel 4 reboot
Brenda Blethyn has been spotted looking completely different to her Vera character as she takes on a new role in the reboot of A Woman of Substance.
Brenda Blethyn is set to surprise fans of Vera as she embarks on a fresh endeavour, taking on a new character that's a stark contrast to her familiar ITV role.
At 79-years-old, Brenda is stepping into the shoes of Emma Harte in the revamped version of the 1984 Emmy-nominated drama A Woman of Substance, which will broadcast on Channel 4.
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The series, adapted from the 1979 novel by the same title, charts the extraordinary journey of Emma Harte, a Yorkshire maid who becomes a powerful businesswoman and establishes a thriving department store empire.
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Captured on set in photos released by Digital Spy, the esteemed actress appears almost unrecognisable sporting white hair arranged in a vintage 70s style.
Clad in a cream coat, Brenda was photographed wearing a silk scarf and rain bonnet, complete with circular sunglasses and a red work bag emblazoned with the initials EH, reports Devon Live.
Brenda Blethyn unrecognisable as she takes on 'iconic role' in Channel 4 reboot
(Image: Dave)
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In this reimagined adaptation, Brenda takes on the lead role, while Jessica Reynolds portrays the younger Emma Harte. The original series featured Deborah Kerr and Jenny Seagrove in these roles back in 1984.
The show's synopsis describes the plot as follows: "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."
The actress has ditched the raincoat and detective hat
(Image: ITV )
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Brenda expressed her delight at stepping into the role, saying: "I'm overjoyed to be taking on this iconic role in the footsteps of the great Deborah Kerr. As a fan of [author] Barbara Taylor Bradford, it is an unmissable opportunity to play the fierce Emma Harte."
Jessica shared her enthusiasm as well, remarking: "To be a part of A Woman of Substance and to step into the shoes of Emma is an absolute dream for me."
She continued, highlighting the team's talent: "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."
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A Woman of Substance is currently in production
(Image: Mike Marsland/WireImage )
The Channel 4 series will also feature actors Emmett J Scanlan, Lydia Leonard, Sophie Bould, Leanne Best, and Will Mellor.
Rebecca Holdsworth, Channel 4's commissioning editor for drama, praised the project, stating: "Attracting an ensemble cast of this quality is testament to Katherine and Roanne's exceptional scripts."
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She further added: "We are so excited to be bringing this fresh, sexy and bold adaptation of an iconic book to Channel 4."
The broadcast date for A Woman of Substance on Channel 4 has yet to be announced.