Brenda Blethyn is set to play an iconic character in a reimagining of Channel 4 series A Woman of Substance.
An adaptation of the 1979 novel of the same name by Barbara Taylor Bradford, the series follows Yorkshire housemaid-turned-mogul Emma Harte in her rags-to-riches story spanning across the 20th century.
The Vera star is joined by Jessica Reynolds, who plays a younger version of Emma. The role was played by Deborah Kerr and Jenny Seagrove in the 1984 Emmy-nominated version for Channel 4.
"I'm overjoyed to be taking on this iconic role, in the footsteps of the great Deborah Kerr," Blethyn said in a statement.
"As a fan of Barbara Taylor Bradford, it is an unmissable opportunity to play the fierce Emma Harte."
"To be a part of A Woman of Substance and to step into the shoes of Emma is an absolute dream for me," Reynolds added.
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"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."
The two stars are joined by MobLand's Emmett J Scanlan as Adam Fairley, Gentleman Jack's Lydia Leonard as Olivia Wainwright, Call the Midwife star Sophie Bould as Elizabeth Harte, and Line of Duty's Leanne Best and Will Mellor as Adele Fairley and Jack Harte.
Doctor Who's Lenny Rush also stars, alongside Ewan Horrocks, Harry Cadby, Niall Wright, Robert Wilfort, Toby Regbo, Hiftu Quasem, and Georgina Sadler.
The eight-part series was written by The Buccaneers writers Katherine Jakeways and Roanne Bardsley.
"Attracting an ensemble cast of this quality is testament to Katherine and Roanne's exceptional scripts," Channel 4's commissioning editor for drama Rebecca Holdsworth said.
"We are so excited to be bringing this fresh, sexy and bold adaptation of an iconic book to Channel 4."
A release date for A Woman of Substance will be announced in due course.
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Reporter, Digital Spy
Stefania is a freelance writer specialising in TV and movies. After graduating from City University, London, she covered LGBTQ+ news and pursued a career in entertainment journalism, with her work appearing in outlets including Little White Lies, The Skinny, Radio Times and Digital Spy.
Her beats are horror films and period dramas, especially if fronted by queer women. She can argue why Scream is the best slasher in four languages (and a half).
