Harlan Coben star joins Brenda Blethyn in Channel 4 “revenge” drama that’s reboot of British classic

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Jo Joyner, known for her role in Harlan Coben’s dramas, is joining the cast of Channel 4’s new version of A Woman of Substance. This drama is based on Barbara Taylor Bradford’s popular 1979 novel, which Channel 4 also adapted for television back in 1985.

Brenda Blethyn, known for her role in Vera, will star as Emma Harte, a remarkable woman who rose from housemaid to powerful businesswoman. The character is described as a 20th-century feminist who challenged expectations as a daughter, mother, lover, and fighter. Jessica Reynolds, from House of Guinness, will portray Emma in her younger years.

Jo Joyner, known for her role in Stay Close, will play Elizabeth Harte Ainsley in the upcoming series. Her character is Emma’s daughter and her betrayal of her mother sets off a chain of events driven by revenge, according to Radio Times.

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The cast includes Emmett J Scanlan (known from Kin) as Adam Fairley, Lydia Leonard (Gentleman Jack) as Olivia Wainwright, Leanne Best (This City Is Ours) as Adele Fairley, Ewan Horrocks (The Last Kingdom) as Edwin Fairley, Harry Cadby (Everything Now) as Gerald Fairley, Will Mellor (Mr Bates vs the Post Office) as Jack Harte, and Lenny Rush (Doctor Who) as Frank Harte.

I was stoked to see the cast list for this! Niall Wright, who I recognized from Slow Horses, is playing Mac. Robert Wilfort, who was hilarious in Gavin and Stacey, is Murgatroyd. Toby Regbo from Belgravia is Jim Fairley, and Hiftu Quasem, who I know from The Witcher, is Priya Chandra. Sophie Bould from Call The Midwife is playing Elizabeth Harte, and rounding things out, Georgina Sadler from Silo is Polly. It’s a seriously talented group!

The story follows Emma Harte, a determined but poor maid in Yorkshire, England, as she rises to incredible wealth and ends up living in a luxurious penthouse in New York City.

Emma’s story follows a woman’s incredible journey to success throughout the 20th century. She boldly breaks away from societal norms and fights against limitations, determined to reach the top – no matter the cost. It’s a classic story of overcoming obstacles and achieving your dreams.

I remember reading that Katherine Jakeways, one of the writers, said she absolutely loved the original Channel 4 version! She told The Sun she was totally captivated by it – all those beautiful Yorkshire hills, the big hair, the fashion, and… well, everything about it! She really wanted to be a part of bringing it all to life.

I’m absolutely thrilled to be bringing this huge, dramatic story of ambition, desire, and revenge back to its rightful home: Channel 4.

A Woman of Substance will air on Channel 4.

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2026-01-14 18:49