Brenda Blethyn is reprising her role as Emma Harte in the second season of Channel 4's adaptation of A Woman of Substance. The eight-episode season will follow Emma as she moves from the aftermath of the First World War into the fast-paced 1920s.
Return to an Iconic Role
Blethyn, 80, is best known for playing DCI Vera Stanhope in ITV's Vera for 14 years until her retirement from the role last year. She quickly returned to screens in Channel 4's remake of A Woman of Substance, based on Barbara Taylor Bradford's 1979 best-selling novel. The series tells the story of an ambitious Yorkshire maid who builds a global business empire.
Season Two Details
The second season will see Emma's ambition for the Harte name remain unrelenting, as well as her determination to make the Fairley family pay. In the 1970s timeline, she battles to win back her life's work from Jim Fairley. Jessica Reynolds returns as the young Emma, alongside Blethyn as the older version.
Massive Viewership
The 2026 remake became Channel 4's most streamed show since Russell T Davies' It's A Sin, averaging three million viewers per episode. However, this is dwarfed by the 14 million who watched the original 1984 adaptation, which starred Jenny Seagrove and remains unbeaten in viewing figures for 42 years.
Channel 4's Excitement
Channel 4 interim drama boss Gwawr Lloyd 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.'
A Woman of Substance is available to watch on Channel 4.
