BRENDA Blethyn has wasted no time swapping police badges for something completely different – bagging her first major role since quitting Vera.
The beloved actress, 78, is set to star in a that's a world away from her days solving crimes as DCI Stanhope.
has signed up a legend and a rising star for its glitzy new remake of Bradford’s A Woman Of Substance.
The Woman Of Substance charts the jaw-dropping rise of a poor maid who claws her way to the top – ending up the richest woman on the planet, ruling her empire from a swanky penthouse.
The rags-to-riches saga is being rebooted 40 years after Channel 4’s first version – which starred Jenny Seagrove and still holds the crown as the ever.
The brains behind hit , Katherine Jakeways and Roanne Bardsley, are on script duty for the new series.
The glitzy remake is being produced by Banijay-backed The Forge, with former Channel 4 drama chief Beth Willis serving as executive producer.
– a double nominee and TV favourite thanks to – is leading the charge.
Brenda said: “I’m overjoyed to be taking on this iconic role, in the footsteps of the great Deborah Kerr.
“As a fan of Barbara Taylor-Bradford, it is an unmissable opportunity to play the fierce Emma Harte.”;
While rising star Jessica Reynolds, fresh from a breakout role in indie smash Kneecap and Season 6, will play the younger Emma.
The original three-part saga starred with as Emma Harte.
Its finale pulled in Channel 4's highest audience of 13.8 million viewers and received two nominations.
A Woman of Substance has sold an incredible 30 million copies since its release four decades ago.
Barbara Taylor Bradford
She passed away peacefully at her home on Sunday 24 November following a brief illness.
Charlie Redmayne, CEO of HarperCollins Publishers UK, said: “Barbara Taylor Bradford was a truly exceptional writer whose first , the international bestseller A Woman of Substance changed the lives of so many who read it – and still does to this day.
“She was a natural storyteller, deeply proud of her Yorkshire roots – she would regale us of her time working on the Yorkshire Evening Post with fellow reporter Keith Waterhouse and trainee photographer Peter O’Toole, the dawn of the Soho café society, and the many happy years shared with the love of her life, her husband, Bob.
“For 45 years, she was a huge part of our company and a great, great friend – we will miss her so much – but there is some solace in the knowledge that she is now, once again, alongside her beloved Bob. A life well-lived.”;
