Vera icon Brenda Blethyn is under fire in exclusive first-look clip at dramatic new Channel 4 series

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Beloved actress Brenda Blethyn appears to be facing trouble in a sneak peek of the new historical drama, A Woman of Substance.

The Channel 4 series is based on Barbara Taylor Bradford’s 1979 novel and follows Emma Harte’s incredible journey from a humble servant to the successful owner of a major retail business she built herself.

I was really intrigued by the casting here. Veteran actress Blethyn plays the character later in life, and newcomer Jessica Reynolds, from House of Guinness, absolutely shines as her younger self. It’s a clever way to tell the story, and both actresses bring something special to the role.

In a special preview for TopMob readers, Brenda Blethyn, as Emma, is shown walking through one of her shops, tidying shelves and saying hello to the employees.

But her peace doesn’t last long, as a young man begins to pursue her, exclaiming, “I know this is probably shocking.”

Mrs. Harte, please, let me assist you. I understand how much effort you’ve put into everything, and I’m concerned to see the media suggesting your career is over.

The character keeps her cool but as she gets into the lift, she loses her composure…

You can watch the full clip above.

The cast includes, alongside stars Blethyn and Reynolds, talented actors like Leanne Best, known for ‘This City Is Ours’, Ewan Horrocks from ‘The Last Kingdom’, Harry Cadby of ‘In Flight’, Niall Wright who appears in ‘Slow Horses’, and Robert Wilfort of ‘Gavin & Stacey’.

The cast also features Toby Regbo, known for his role in Belgravia, Hiftu Quasem from The Witcher, Sophie Bould of Call the Midwife, Georgina Sadler who appears in Silo, and Jo Joyner, famous for her work on EastEnders.

I’m so excited to hear that Katherine Jakeways, who wrote ‘The Buccaneers,’ is behind the script! She’s amazing, and she’s working with Roanne Bardsley, who’s done work on ‘Hollyoaks,’ so I have a really good feeling about this!

This isn’t the first time Barbara Taylor Bradford’s ‘A Woman of Substance’ has been made into a TV series or film. A well-loved version, featuring Jenny Seagrove and Deborah Kerr, originally aired on Channel 4 in 1985.

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A Woman of Substance will premiere on Wednesday 11 and Thursday 12 March at 9pm on Channel 4.

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Molly MossTrends Writer

Molly Moss writes about the newest happenings in television, movies, and other entertainment for TopMob. She has a Master’s degree in Journalism and has also contributed to major news outlets like The Guardian, The Times, and The Sun Online.

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2026-03-04 11:34