Brenda Blethyn (Vera, Pride and Prejudice) and Jessica Reynolds (Kneecap, The Wolf, The Fox & The Leopard) are to return to Channel 4 in a second series of A Woman of Substance as the iconic character of Emma Harte, a housemaid-turned-mogul, daughter, mother, lover, fighter and a 20th century feminist icon who refused to know her ‘place.’
Produced by Banijay label The Forge Entertainment (National Treasure, The Buccaneers, Marriage) and based on the global phenomenon of the novels written by Yorkshire literary legend Barbara Taylor Bradford OBE, series one of A Woman of Substance was Channel 4 streaming’s most-watched drama in five years, since It’s a Sin, with an average audience of 3m per episode.
Series one ended with Emma’s granddaughter and chosen heir, Paula, revealing that she had secretly married into the Fairley family, potentially undoing a lifetime of revenge.
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In the new series, we rejoin the unstoppable Emma as she emerges from World War I and strides into the glittering, fast changing world of the 1920s. Emma’s ambition for the Harte name is unrelenting, as is her determination to make the Fairley family pay. But she has passion to contend with, in the form of the infuriatingly charismatic Paul McGill, and she’ll also endure devasting loss and face unexpected betrayals from those she holds most dear. Meanwhile in the 1970s, Emma battles to win back her life’s work from Jim Fairley. It’s one thing to reach the top, and another to stay there, notes the blurb…
Katherine Jakeways (The Buccaneers) will return to write series two alongside Roanne Bardsley (The Buccaneers, Screw), and filming will commence in Yorkshire later this year.
Gwawr Lloyd, interim head of Channel 4 drama, said: “Following the incredible success and popularity of the brilliant first series, we’re thrilled to be bringing the incomparable and iconic Emma Harte back to Channel 4 again. Series two will continue Emma’s story with all the ambition, drama and family intrigue that made A Woman of Substance such a compelling and irresistible watch.
“I’d like to thank writers Katherine Jakeways and Roanne Bardsley, who I’m delighted to say are returning to pen the second series, alongside executive producers Beth Willis and Joe Innes from The Forge Entertainment for their commitment to the show. I’d also like to thank Brenda Blethyn and Jessica Reynolds for bringing Emma Harte to life with such passion, along with all the cast who ensured that series one captured the audience’s hearts.”
Katherine Jakeways and Roanne Bardsley, writers and executive producers added: “We couldn’t be more delighted to be back with our beloved Emma Harte. The higher she climbs, the greater the risks, and we’re looking forward to more of everything we adore – heart-soaring romance, gut-wrenching loss, and of course, delicious revenge. Huge thanks to Channel 4, Banijay and The Forge for being as obsessed with Barbara Taylor Bradford’s world as we ar
Beth Willis, executive producer and co-managing director at The Forge Entertainment said: “The Forge are so delighted to dive back into the delicious world of Emma Harte for Channel 4. It’s a privilege to be working again with the ultimate Women of Substance – the incredible Jessica Reynolds and Brenda Blethyn, Katherine Jakeways and Roanne Bardsley – and of course The Barbara Taylor Bradford Trust.”
Executive producers of the 8×60” series are Beth Willis, Joe Innes, Katherine Jakeways and Roanne Bardsley alongside The Barbara Taylor Bradford Trust with Richard Senior as the director. A Woman of Substance has been commissioned for Channel 4 by Gwawr Lloyd, interim head of Channel 4 Drama and Louise Donald, commissioning editor. A Woman of Substance will be distributed internationally by Banijay Rights.
