Channel 4's new drama A Woman of Substance is set to air, featuring a cast packed with familiar faces from hit shows such as Vera, Outlander, and Peaky Blinders. The series follows Emma Harte, who rises from a destitute servant to the head of a global business empire by the 1970s, while navigating family conflicts.
Brenda Blethyn, best known for playing DCI Vera Stanhope in ITV's Vera for 14 years, portrays the older Emma Harte. Her extensive credits include Pride and Prejudice, Saving Grace, and War and Peace. The younger Emma is played by Jessica Reynolds, recognised by Outlander fans as Malva Christie from the sixth series, and also known for her role in Netflix's House of Guinness.
Emmett J Scanlan, who gained fame as Brendan Brady in Hollyoaks, plays Adam Fairley, the head of the wealthy household where Emma works in the 1900s. Scanlan has since appeared in major dramas including Kin, The Tower, Gangs of London, Unforgotten, and Peaky Blinders as Billy Grade.
Leanne Best portrays Adam's wife Adele Fairley, who lives with agoraphobia. Best's credits include Ripper Street, Line of Duty, Home Fires, and This City Is Ours. Lydia Leonard plays Adele's sister Olivia Wainwright, who helps run the household. Leonard has appeared in The Crown, A Very Royal Scandal, and Wolf Hall.
Ewan Horrocks, known for Domina and The Last Kingdom, plays Edwin Fairley, one of Adam and Adele's sons who catches the eye of young Emma. Will Mellor, recognisable from Broadchurch, Coronation Street, Line of Duty, and Mr Bates Vs The Post Office, plays Emma's devoted father Jack Harte.
A Woman of Substance continues every Wednesday and Thursday at 9pm on Channel 4.
