Latest news with #BrendaBlethyn
The Guardian
a day ago
- Entertainment
- The Guardian
Dragonfly review – haunting, genre-defying drama of lonely city living
Twenty years ago, Paul Andrew Williams announced himself as a smart new British talent with his ferocious gangland picture London to Brighton, and his creativity has continued in film and TV ever since. His new film is a haunted, social-realist drama with elements of Mike Leigh but also moments of thriller and even horror. Williams isn't shy of stabbing us with an old-fashioned jump scare towards the end, which in fact challenges the audiences with its refusal of categorisation. There are two superb lead performances from Andrea Riseborough and Brenda Blethyn and an outstanding supporting turn from Jason Watkins. Dragonfly is about loneliness and alienation and about the eternal mystery of other people, the fear of intimacy and the unknowable existence of urban neighbours. Elsie, played by Blethyn, is an older woman who is quite capable of independent living in her bungalow, but a recent fall and an injured wrist has meant that her middle-aged son (Watkins), all too obviously to compensate for not visiting that often, has paid for daily visits from a private agency nurses. They are overworked and not doing an especially good job. Really, she doesn't need these nurses and by enduring them, Elsie is shouldering the burden of her son's guilt. Meanwhile nextdoor neighbour Colleen, played by Riseborough, is a continuingly strange presence. She is a melancholy, withdrawn figure, evidently on benefits and living with her huge American bull terrier, uncompromisingly named Sabre. Williams shows us that she is effectively living in a kind of platonic relationship, or mariage blanc, with this dog; the film periodically gives us startling shots of Sabre's colossal body in a kind of domestic nakedness sprawled on Colleen's bed. In a manner that may be insidious or predatory or just friendly and compassionate, Colleen befriends Elsie; the latter overcomes her initial nervousness of Sabre and she appreciates Colleen's forthright offer of help. Colleen goes down to the shops to get groceries for Elsie and after a few such trips they agree that what would be easiest would be if Colleen simply gets Elsie's debit card and Elsie gives her the pin number. Of course, the film allows us to suspect the worst and then suspect the worst of ourselves for suspecting it. Colleen seems to be unhappy and damaged but well-meaning, especially when she (for a laugh) buys them both a two-way radio so they can easily keep in contact – but then uses this radio to talk to Elsie late at night and semi-intentionally to allow bewildered Elsie to hear what's happening in Colleen's house. It is a riveting dual portrait of two gloomy people who really have, in a strange and dysfunctional way, found a new way of interacting and – importantly – this is a triangular relationship: Elsie, Colleen and the vast Sabre. But with a terrible inevitability, Elsie's uptight busybody son John (Watkins) arrives and there are awful consequences to a conversation he has with Colleen which Williams only shows us in long shot, withholding the truth about what he's saying. It's a stark, fierce, wonderfully acted film. Dragonfly screened at the Tribeca film festival.
Wales Online
5 days ago
- Business
- Wales Online
Brenda Blethyn unrecognisable as she takes on 'iconic role' in Channel 4 reboot
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. 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. 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) Article continues below 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 ) 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." 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." Article continues below 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.
Wales Online
27-05-2025
- Entertainment
- Wales Online
ITV Vera fans emotional after creator makes 'bombshell' announcement
ITV Vera fans emotional after creator makes 'bombshell' announcement Vera fans have been dealt another blow following Brenda Blethyn's departure from the ITV series Brenda Blethyn says 'it was time' for Vera to come to an end Vera enthusiasts are reeling as Ann Cleeves, the creator of the beloved character and series, delivered a poignant update on her career. Ann, the mastermind behind Detective Vera Stanhope, has confirmed that her forthcoming book will be the final chapter in the saga. During her appearance at the Bath Literature Festival, Ann revealed that the 12th book in the detective series would be the swansong for DCI Stanhope. "There will only be one more Vera novel," she disclosed, before playfully hinting: "But I probably won't kill her off," reports Chronicle Live. "Well, that was a bombshell, wasn't it?" she quipped, acknowledging the gravity of her announcement. Vera's Brenda Blethyn and author Ann Cleeves on the set of the ITV drama (Image: ITV ) Article continues below ITV caller delivers brutal divorce swipe at Paddy McGuinness READ MORE: In the wake of this revelation, fans have flocked to social media to express their dismay, with many feeling devastated. A succinct lament appeared on a Facebook fan page: "Oh no!". "She can't do that," protested another, while someone else queried: "Does this mean there will be no more Vera books?" Another comment read: "She won't be able to do it." A fan expressed their adoration for her work with a tearful emoji: "I love all of her books." David Leon and Brenda Blethyn (Image: (Image: (Image: ITV)) ) This news marks the end of an era that commenced in 1999 with the debut of the first Vera Stanhope novel. Her most recent publication, The Dark Wives, is the eleventh instalment in the series and is currently available. Earlier in the year, Vera's loyal viewers were moved to tears as Brenda Blethyn portrayed her final moments as Vera Stanhope. Although Brenda is amenable to the idea of a Vera special in the future, she has shared her reasons for leaving, including a desire to cherish more time with her family. Brenda Blethyn as Vera Stanhope (Image: ITV ) "It was a lovely summer back in 2023, and I came to realise I hadn't had a summer with my husband for 14 years," the actress stated. "Naturally, I missed my family, and my dog Jack, although he was with me in the Northeast. Article continues below "But working all day meant our time together was short. I love my Vera family, but I love my other family too."
Daily Mail
28-04-2025
- Entertainment
- Daily Mail
Brenda Blethyn bags first new TV role since emotional Vera exit - and it's worlds away from the ITV detective hit
Vera star Brenda Blethyn has been announced as the leading actress in Channel 4 's new adaptation of A Woman Of Substance. The 1979 novel, written by Barbara Taylor Bradford, follows the iconic Emma Harte, an impoverished yet ambitious housemaid living in 1911 Yorkshire. Harte embarks on a dizzying journey from survival to success as she shatters the glass ceilings of 20th-century society, becoming a formidable business mogul and later, the world's richest woman. The protagonist's story continues through to her modern life, as she navigates the trials and tribulations of her business empire, facing threats from the most unexpected of places along the way. A Woman Of Substance marked the outset of the Emma Harte saga for its author, Bradford, and went on to become sensational, selling more than 30 million copies worldwide. In 1984, the original TV adaptation of the book, starring Deborah Kerr and Jenny Seagrove gained a huge amount of traction for Channel 4. The 1979 novel, written by Barbara Taylor Bradford, follows the iconic Emma Harte, an impoverished yet ambitious housemaid living in 1911 Yorkshire Its finale on January 4th, 1985, boasted 13.8 million viewers, which remains the channel's highest ever audience to this day. 'I'm overjoyed to be taking on this iconic role, in the footsteps of the great Deborah Kerr.' Says Blethyn, 'As a fan of Barbara Taylor-Bradford, it is an unmissable opportunity to play the fierce Emma Harte.' Blethyn will take on the role of Harte alongside her co-star Jessica Reynolds, who will play the younger version of the tenacious protagonist. 'The team and cast we have behind this are truly inspiring,' says Reynolds. 'I'm so excited to bring the stunning scripts and this great piece of literature to the screen.' Channel 4 commissioning editor, Rebecca Holdsworth, highlights that the new adaptation will be a 'fresh, sexy and bold' take on the source material. The rags-to-riches period drama will prove a stark contrast to Brenda Blethyn's 14-year portrayal of the titular role in Vera- a gritty, enthralling crime drama with a Newcastle backdrop. The four-time National Television Award-nominated series came to a close earlier this year, after the Oscar-nominated actress hung up her infamous trench coat and hat to bid farewell to Northumberland with one last season. The last time we saw Blethyn on our screens, Vera was walking away on a beach, assured and ready for retirement in an emotive and well-rounded finale. Earlier this year, Brenda Blethyn was presented with an Outstanding Contribution Award at the 2025 TV Choice Awards The woman behind the character, however, is eager for a new challenge. Earlier this year, Brenda Blethyn was presented with an Outstanding Contribution Award at the 2025 TV Choice Awards. It was in recognition of ITV detective series Vera, in which she played DCI Vera Stanhope before quitting last year after 14 series. Chosen to present the gong was Brenda's Secrets and Lies co-star and fellow BAFTA winner Timothy Spall, 67.
Scottish Sun
28-04-2025
- Entertainment
- Scottish Sun
Brenda Blethyn lands first major role since Vera ended – and it's world's away from iconic TV detective
Click to share on X/Twitter (Opens in new window) Click to share on Facebook (Opens in new window) 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. Sign up for the Entertainment newsletter Sign up 5 Double Oscar-nominee Brenda Blethyn will play the older Emma Harte in the rebooted A Woman of Substance Credit: Getty 5 It's her first major role since quitting Vera Credit: ITV 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. Vera's Brenda Blethyn confirms she's already landed her next role after quitting ITV drama 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. 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. 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. 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. 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 Rising star Jessica Reynolds will play the younger version of the iconic character. Credit: Getty 5 Brenda said: 'I'm overjoyed to be taking on this iconic role" Credit: Getty
