Latest news with #BarbaraTaylorBradford
The Sun
28-04-2025
- Entertainment
- The Sun
Brenda Blethyn lands first major role since Vera ended – and it's world's away from iconic TV detective
BRENDA Blethyn has wasted no time swapping police badges for something completely different - bagging her first major role since quitting Vera. The beloved actress, 78, is set to star in a brand new project that's a world away from her days solving crimes as DCI Stanhope. 5 Channel 4 has signed up a Hollywood legend and a rising star for its glitzy new remake of Barbara Taylor Bradford's A Woman Of Substance. The Woman Of Substance charts the jaw-dropping rise of a poor Yorkshire maid who claws her way to the top - ending up the richest woman on the planet, ruling her empire from a swanky New York penthouse. The rags-to-riches saga is being rebooted 40 years after Channel 4's first version - which starred Jenny Seagrove and still holds the crown as the channel's most-watched drama ever. The brains behind Apple TV hit The Buccaneers, Katherine Jakeways and Roanne Bardsley, are on script duty for the new series. The glitzy remake is being produced by Banijay-backed The Forge, with former Channel 4 drama chief Beth Willis serving as executive producer. Brenda Blethyn - a double Oscar nominee and TV favourite thanks to Vera - is leading the charge. 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.' While rising star Jessica Reynolds, fresh from a breakout role in indie smash Kneecap and Outlander Season 6, will play the younger Emma. The original three-part saga starred Liam Neeson with Jenny Seagrove as Emma Harte. Its finale pulled in Channel 4's highest audience of 13.8 million viewers and received two Emmy nominations. A Woman of Substance has sold an incredible 30 million copies since its release four decades ago. Barbara Taylor Bradford died at the age of 91. She passed away peacefully at her home on Sunday 24 November following a brief illness. Crime dramas on ITVX Crime drama buffs have a wide selection of choices on ITVX - here is a selection of some of the programmes available to binge. Professor T: Based on a Belgian TV series of the same name, former Death in Paradise lead Ben Miller plays the title character. Professor Jasper Tempest is a criminologist with OCD who helps the police solve crimes. The cast also includes Emma Naomi, Barney White and Andy Gathergood. The Beast Must Die: This series follows a mother's grief for her son, who was killed in an accident. Nicholas Blake's novel of the same name has been adapted for the programme. Stars include Cush Jumbo, Jared Harris, Billy Howle and Geraldine James. Red Eye: Starring Richard Armitage, Jing Lusi and Lesley Sharp star in this six-part thriller, which mostly takes place during an all-night flight between London and Beijing. With dead bodies piling up and a mystery to unravel, the heroes must work fast to get to the truth. The Twelve: This Australian drama originally aired as a miniseries in 2022, with the episodes dropping in the UK in February 2023. Four months later, the show was renewed for a second season. Jurassic Park star Sam Neill stars in the leading role of barrister Brett Colby. Manhunt: Martin Clunes stars in this drama based on true murder investigations. Series one focused on the death of Amélie Delagrange, which took place in 2004, while the second depicted the search for serial rapist Delroy Grant. Charlie Redmayne, CEO of HarperCollins Publishers UK, said: 'Barbara Taylor Bradford was a truly exceptional writer whose first book, the international bestseller A Woman of Substance changed the lives of so many who read it - and still does to this day. "She was a natural storyteller, deeply proud of her Yorkshire roots - she would regale us of her time working on the Yorkshire Evening Post with fellow reporter Keith Waterhouse and trainee photographer Peter O'Toole, the dawn of the Soho café society, and the many happy years shared with the love of her life, her husband, Bob. "For 45 years, she was a huge part of our company and a great, great friend - we will miss her so much - but there is some solace in the knowledge that she is now, once again, alongside her beloved Bob. A life well-lived.' 5 5 5
Yahoo
17-04-2025
- Entertainment
- Yahoo
Items that reflect ‘elegance and artistry' of Barbara Taylor Bradford go on sale
Items that reflect the 'elegance, intellect and artistry' of author Barbara Taylor Bradford are to be auctioned, months after her death. The British-American writer found fame with her debut novel A Woman Of Substance, and went on to write 40 novels, becoming a renowned international bestselling author, often described as 'the grand dame of blockbusters'. The author died aged 91 on November 24 last year following a short illness. Doyle Auctioneers and Appraisers will hold The Collection of Barbara Taylor Bradford in May, putting memorabilia from the international bestselling author under the hammer. The items on offer will include a portrait of her dogs, Beaji and Chammi, by artist Christine Herman Merrill, estimated to fetch 1,000 to 1,500 dollars (£755 – £1,133), and her George III writing desk, valued between 800 and 1,200 dollars (£604 – £907). Bradford's signed books by former Conservative prime ministers Margaret Thatcher and John Major are also on offer, with Baroness Thatcher's The Downing Street Years valued between 500 and 800 dollars (£378 – £604), and Sir John's autobiography valued between 300 and 500 dollars (£227 – £378). Peter Costanzo, Doyle's executive director of books, autographs and photographs, said: 'This collection reflects a life of elegance, intellect, and artistry, offering a glimpse into the world of one of the most successful writers of our time. 'Author memorabilia has consistently attracted significant interest at auctions, reflecting a deep appreciation for literary figures and their works. The provenance and historical significance of such items often drive their desirability and value in the auction market.' Her books have sold more than 91 million copies to date, and have been published in more than 40 languages and in 90 countries – with her most recent novel, The Wonder Of It All, published in November 2023, roughly a year before she died. Bidders will now have the chance to take home some of her most beloved pieces from her estate including paintings from her Manhattan apartment, first editions and three pieces of jewellery such as her Verdura Swan brooch which is estimated at 10,000-15,000 US dollars (£7,500-£11,200). The brooch was commissioned and gifted to Bradford by her husband of 55 years, the late film and television producer Robert Bradford, after she published The Cavendon Woman in celebration of the Cavendon series. Together the pair amassed a collection of art, jewellery, first edition books, porcelain with a select number of pieces being offered for auction for the first time including her IBM Wheelwriter typewriter which is estimated at 2,000-3,000 US dollars (£1,500-£2,200). Randy Jones, co-trustee of The Barbara Taylor Bradford Trust, said: 'The pieces in this auction offer a rare glimpse into Barbara Taylor Bradford's remarkable life—one defined by elegance, ambition, and an unyielding dedication to storytelling. 'Each item reflects not only her impeccable taste but also the extraordinary journey she shared with her beloved husband, Bob. 'This collection is a tribute to her enduring legacy, inviting admirers and collectors alike to own a part of her world.' The items will tour Doyle's galleries in Palm Beach and Beverly Hills before being displayed for public exhibition at Doyle New York on May 3 from 12pm-5pm. A live auction will be held there on May 7 and will also be available for online bidding and via telephone.
The Independent
16-04-2025
- Entertainment
- The Independent
Items that reflect ‘elegance and artistry' of Barbara Taylor Bradford go on sale
Items that reflect the 'elegance, intellect and artistry' of author Barbara Taylor Bradford are to be auctioned, months after her death. The British- American writer found fame with her debut novel A Woman Of Substance, and went on to write 40 novels, becoming a renowned international bestselling author, often described as 'the grand dame of blockbusters'. The author died aged 91 on November 24 last year following a short illness. Doyle Auctioneers and Appraisers will hold The Collection of Barbara Taylor Bradford in May, putting memorabilia from the international bestselling author under the hammer. The items on offer will include a portrait of her dogs, Beaji and Chammi, by artist Christine Herman Merrill, estimated to fetch 1,000 to 1,500 dollars (£755 – £1,133), and her George III writing desk, valued between 800 and 1,200 dollars (£604 – £907). Bradford's signed books by former Conservative prime ministers Margaret Thatcher and John Major are also on offer, with Baroness Thatcher's The Downing Street Years valued between 500 and 800 dollars (£378 – £604), and Sir John's autobiography valued between 300 and 500 dollars (£227 – £378). Peter Costanzo, Doyle's executive director of books, autographs and photographs, said: 'This collection reflects a life of elegance, intellect, and artistry, offering a glimpse into the world of one of the most successful writers of our time. 'Author memorabilia has consistently attracted significant interest at auctions, reflecting a deep appreciation for literary figures and their works. The provenance and historical significance of such items often drive their desirability and value in the auction market.' Her books have sold more than 91 million copies to date, and have been published in more than 40 languages and in 90 countries – with her most recent novel, The Wonder Of It All, published in November 2023, roughly a year before she died. Bidders will now have the chance to take home some of her most beloved pieces from her estate including paintings from her Manhattan apartment, first editions and three pieces of jewellery such as her Verdura Swan brooch which is estimated at 10,000-15,000 US dollars (£7,500-£11,200). The brooch was commissioned and gifted to Bradford by her husband of 55 years, the late film and television producer Robert Bradford, after she published The Cavendon Woman in celebration of the Cavendon series. Together the pair amassed a collection of art, jewellery, first edition books, porcelain with a select number of pieces being offered for auction for the first time including her IBM Wheelwriter typewriter which is estimated at 2,000-3,000 US dollars (£1,500-£2,200). Randy Jones, co-trustee of The Barbara Taylor Bradford Trust, said: 'The pieces in this auction offer a rare glimpse into Barbara Taylor Bradford's remarkable life—one defined by elegance, ambition, and an unyielding dedication to storytelling. 'Each item reflects not only her impeccable taste but also the extraordinary journey she shared with her beloved husband, Bob. 'This collection is a tribute to her enduring legacy, inviting admirers and collectors alike to own a part of her world.' The items will tour Doyle's galleries in Palm Beach and Beverly Hills before being displayed for public exhibition at Doyle New York on May 3 from 12pm-5pm. A live auction will be held there on May 7 and will also be available for online bidding and via telephone.
The Independent
16-04-2025
- Entertainment
- The Independent
Bestselling author Barbara Taylor Bradford's estate goes to auction reflecting ‘life of elegance, intellect, and artistry'
The estate of bestselling author Barbara Taylor Bradford is to go on auction next month in New York. The British-American novelist, who sold over 90 million books in her lifetime, died peacefully at her home in November, following a short illness. She was a prolific writer, completing a total of 40 novels during her lifetime. All of her books – often centred on the lives of the glamorous and wealthy – went on to become worldwide bestsellers. Her debut novel, A Woman of Substance, was released in 1979 and sold over 30 million copies. Over 200 lots are up for sale at the auction set to be held in New York by Doyle. Her writing desk, typewriter, pens and paintings from her luxurious Manhattan apartment will also be available to purchase. Other personal items include pictures of her beloved pet dogs. Among the collection are pieces of jewellery including a Verdura swan brooch crafted with the use of cultured baroque pearl, diamond, and emerald. Valued at between $10,000 (£7,500) and $15,000 (£11,300), the piece was designed by Bradford's late husband Robert upon the success of her novel, The Cavendon Woman. While the items are valuable due to their association with the acclaimed author, their worth is also determined by their historical value, offering a backdrop to the changing landscape of the times that informed her work. They include rare first editions of her novels, as well as rare signed copies received from British prime minister Margaret Thatcher, US actor and football player Paul Robeson and signed photos of Oscar-winning actor Anthony Hopkins - who starred in a TV mini-series adapted from her work, To Be The Best. The items will tour Doley's galleries in Palm Beach and Beverly Hills before being displayed for public exhibition at Doyle New York on 3 May between 12pm and 5pm. A live auction will then be held on 7 May, with buyers able to bid online or via the telephone. A full list is available on the company's website. 'This collection reflects a life of elegance, intellect, and artistry, offering a glimpse into the world of one of the most successful writers of our time,' said Doyle's executive director of books, autographs and photographs, Peter Costanzo.
