Channel 4 has announced a highly anticipated remake of A Woman of Substance, the network’s most-watched drama ever, following the recent passing of its author, Barbara Taylor Bradford. The original drama, which captured the hearts of millions when it aired 40 years ago, is set to be reimagined with a new script by Katherine Jakeways and Roanne Bardsley, the writers behind The Buccaneers.
The series, which centers around the story of Emma Harte—a young, impoverished maid from Yorkshire who rises to become one of the wealthiest women in the world—will be produced by The Forge and executive producer Beth Willis. Willis, who previously served as Channel 4’s drama chief, is excited to bring this iconic story back to life.
In the original series, which starred Jenny Seagrove, over 14 million viewers tuned in to watch Emma’s incredible journey from servant girl to retail magnate. The new remake aims to capture the same dramatic energy and ambition that made the original such a success.
This remake is just one of several new drama projects being launched by Channel 4 under Ollie Madden’s leadership. Madden, Channel 4’s drama commissioner, shared his commitment to creating distinctive, thought-provoking content that shines a light on British society while maintaining a high level of entertainment. He expressed confidence that audiences will embrace the new shows, which include The Rachel Incident, Maya, The Undeclared War season 2 starring Simon Pegg, Trespasses starring Gillian Anderson, and the upcoming Margaret Thatcher series Brian & Maggie.
Channel 4 is setting its sights on producing an eclectic mix of dramas, ensuring a fresh, bold approach that challenges norms while continuing to entertain. With such a diverse slate, viewers are sure to see exciting new stories that reflect the complexities of British life.