28-04-2025
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.
