Kneecap star Jessica Reynolds becomes A Woman of Substance
Channel 4 has announced that filming on the eight-part series has begun in Yorkshire with "Brenda Blethyn (Vera, Pride and Prejudice) as Emma Harte and Jessica Reynolds (Kneecap, The Wolf, the Fox, and the Leopard) as the younger version of the iconic character, a housemaid-turned-mogul, daughter, mother, lover, fighter, and a 20th-century feminist icon who refused to know her 'place'".
The synopsis for A Woman of Substance 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 masterplan: Get to the top. Whatever it takes."
Channel 4 previously made the book into a miniseries starring Jenny Seagrove and Deborah Kerr in the role of Emma Harte - with Liam Neeson in one of his early screen roles as Emma's friend and confidant Blackie O'Neill. The miniseries was produced in 1984 and aired in January 1985.
"Previously Emmy-nominated and Channel 4's biggest ever drama when it was made 40 years ago, this new revenge romp is a re-imagining of the multi-million bestselling novel and global phenomenon written by Barbara Taylor Bradford, which feels just as searingly relevant today as it did back then," Channel 4 continued.
The new series is written by Katherine Jakeways (The Buccaneers) and co-written by Roanne Bardsley (The Buccaneers, Screw). John Hardwick (The Buccaneers, One Day, The A Word) will direct the first block of episodes.
Jessica Reynolds said: "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."
Co-star Brenda Blethyn 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."
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