Latest news with #AWomanOfSubstance
Daily Mirror
a day ago
- Entertainment
- Daily Mirror
Don't miss these gripping TV shows adapted from best-selling books
Some of our favourite novels have been adapted for the small screen. Here are 12 of the best book-to-TV shows to watch out for... TV bosses are taking a novel approach to making shows, with bestsellers being turned into gripping thrillers and captivating dramas. From Game of Thrones to The Handmaid's Tale and Bridgerton, some of our favourite TV shows are based on beloved books. For page-turning new shows, look no further… here we take a look at a dozen of the best book-to-TV adaptations coming soon. A Woman Of Substance, Channel 4 Novel: A Woman Of Substance by Barbara Taylor Bradford Plot: Fresh from hanging up her Vera hat, Brenda Blethyn is now starring as the inimitable Emma Harte, a poor housemaid-turned-mogul, daughter, mother, lover, fighter and 20th century feminist icon who refused to know her place. Jessica Reynolds plays the younger Emma, with other cast including Emmett J Scanlan, Leanne Best, Will Mellor and Lenny Rush. A rags to riches tale based on the 1979 multi-million bestseller that is still searingly relevant. Brenda says: 'As a fan of Barbara Taylor Bradford, it is an unmissable opportunity to play the fierce Emma Harte.' Frankenstein, Netflix Novel: Frankenstein by Mary Shelley Plot: Oscar-winning director Guillermo del Toro adapts this classic tale of scientist Victor Frankenstein, a brilliant but egotistical scientist who creates a monster and brings it to life. Lurching onto screens in November, the monster film stars Oscar Isaac as Victor, Jacob Elordi as Frankenstein's monster and Mia Goth as Elizabeth Lavenza, Victor's fiancee. Watch out also for David Bradley, Charles Dance and Ralph Ineson. Oscar says: 'Playing Frankenstein has been the experience of a lifetime.' Harry Potter, Sky Max Novel: Need you ask? Plot: After an open casting call that sent the nation's parents flying into action, this TV adaptation of novels will star newcomers Dominic McLaughlin as Harry, Arabella Stanton as Hermione and Alastair Stout as Ron. Each series will focus on one of the books, starting with the debut story The Philosopher's Stone. Some big names are lined up including John Lithgow as Dumbledore, Paul Whitehouse as Argus Filch, Katherine Parkinson as Molly Weasley, Nick Frost as Hagrid and Bertie Carvel as Cornelius Fudge. It's bound to be magic. The Thursday Murder Club, Netflix Novel: The Thursday Murder Club by Richard Osman Plot: With an incredible cast, including Pierce Brosnan, Helen Mirren, Ben Kingsley, Celia Imrie, Daniel Mays, David Tennant and Richard E. Grant, this adaptation of the cosy crime thriller has been hugely anticipated. The feature-length whodunit, starting on August 28, follows a group of senior sleuths in a retirement home who gather to solve murders for fun, but find themselves caught up in a real case. Director Chris Columbus teases: 'They are facing their own demise, but are obsessed with studying cold cases. It's comedic but also very emotional.' Lynley, BBC1 Plot: Leo Suter and Sofia Barclay star as the unconventional detective duo DI Tommy Lynley and DS Barbara Havers in this new imagining of the hit crime novels. If it sounds familiar, it's already been on the BBC in the past as The Inspector Lynley Mysteries, but this latest version promises a contemporary update. Lynley is a brilliant detective, but an outsider in the force thanks to his aristocratic upbringing. He's paired with Havers, a working-class sergeant with a maverick attitude. But they make a formidable team, bonded by their desire to see justice done. Also features Daniel Mays and Niamh walsh. Author Elizabeth says: 'Watching my characters brought to life on television is a real celebration.' Murder Before Evensong, 5 Novel: Murder Before Evensong by Rev Richard Coles Plot: This six-parter promises all the hallmarks of cosy crime - small village drama, gossip and secrets and a murder that shakes a community to its core. Canon Daniel Clement (Matthew Lewis) lives in the quaint village of Champton with his widowed mother - opinionated, fearless and annoying Audrey (Amanda Redman). But when Daniel suggests installing a loo in the church, the seemingly innocent plan stirs up trouble - and then a body is found in the church, stabbed in the neck with a pair of secateurs. The cast includes Amit Shah, Meghan Treadway, Tamzin Outhwaite. Waiting For The Out, BBC1 Novel: The Life Inside by Andy West Plot: Based on a memoir, Josh Finan leads the cast as Dan, a philosopher who begins teaching a class of men in prison. He leads discussions about dominance, freedom and luck, topics that ignite passions and create tensions. Through his work, Dan begins to dig deeper into his own past – growing up with a violent father (Gerard Kearns) who ended up in prison, as did his brother Lee (Stephen Wight) and uncle Frank (Phil Daniels). Josh says: 'It's a hugely sensitive, empathic, hilarious and at times deeply emotional story.' Ladies In Black, U Plot: This stylish six-part Australian import is set in the 1960s and follows the lives of women working at a fictional department store in Sydney. At a time of huge social change, they must navigate love, ambition and identity. Miranda Otto, who plays the head of model gowns, Virginia, says: 'I loved the book and thought the TV series was a great chance to take the story further. Also stars Clare Hughes, Debi Mazar, Jessica DeGouw and Azizi Donnelly. Expect glamour, gloss and girdles. The Seven Dials Mystery, Netflix Novel: The Seven Dials Mystery by Agatha Christie Plot: Billed as 'Agatha Christie, for a whole new generation'. It's England, 1925. At a lavish country house party, a practical joke appears to have gone horribly, murderously wrong. It will be up to the unlikeliest of sleuths - the inquisitive Lady Eileen 'Bundle' Brent (Mia Mckenna-Bruce) - to unravel a chilling plot that will change her life, cracking wide open the country house mystery. Mia is joined by top British talent, including Helena Bonham Carter as Lady Caterham and Martin Freeman as Battle. Mia says: 'I am thrilled to be part of this new interpretation.' The Walsh Sisters, BBC1 Novel: Rachel's Holiday and Anybody Out There by Marian Keyes Plot: Irish author Marian's much-loved Walsh family are the focus of this Dublin-set saga, based on two of her books. It follows the lives of sisters Rachel (Caroline Menton), Claire (Danielle Galligan), Maggie (Stefanie Preissner), Helen (Mairead Tyers) and Anna (Louisa Harland) as they navigate their 20s and 30s. A comedy with series topics, expect themes of heartbreak, grief, addiction and parenthood. Marian says: 'I love the scripts, they've really kept the spirit of the books.' Steve, Netflix Plot: Cillian Murphy stars in this intense feature-length drama that is based on a book that 'broke his heart'. He plays a headteacher at a college that aims to reform students, with the story taking place over 24 hours. As he and the students try to stop the school facing closure, Steve also struggles with his mental health. The plot also follows Shy, a troubled teenager who is on a self-destructive path. Cillian says: 'I love films that happen in real time, there's immediately an intense pressure on the characters.' A Knight Of The Seven Kingdoms, Sky Atlantic Novel: A Knight Of The Seven Kingdoms novels by George R.R. Martin Plot: Game of Thrones fans, brace yourselves, the world of Westeros is expanding with this second prequel spin-off. Set 100 years before GoT and 100 years after House of the Dragon, this six-parter tells a gentler tale about Ser Duncan the Tall (Peter Claffey) and his squire Egg (Dexter Sol Ansell). It's a lighter series, but author George teases: 'It's still Westeros, so no one is truly safe.'
Yahoo
6 days ago
- Entertainment
- Yahoo
Film crews spotted for Woman of Substance remake
Crews filming a TV series based on Barbara Taylor Bradford's A Woman of Substance have been spotted across Yorkshire. The new eight-part remake comes 40 years after a 1985 adaptation became the most-watched programme in Channel 4's history. Production teams have recently been seen recording at Barnsley Town Hall, Ilkley Moor and Brodsworth Hall and Gardens near Doncaster. Taylor Bradford's 1979 novel has sold 30 million copies, with a memorial service to the novelist held in London on Thursday. Brenda Blethyn, Jessica Reynolds, Lenny Rush and Will Mellor star in the latest adaptation, with the series written by Katherine Jakeways and Roanne Bardsley. Lisa Brambani saw a "mass of caravans and cars" on Ilkley Moor while out for a morning run in May. "As I approached I was asked to wait a few minutes as they were shooting a scene up on the rocks," she said. "I have never seen the film but I remember reading the book." She added: "I have always been a fan of Barbara Taylor Bradford, her being a Yorkshire lass." A Woman of Substance follows the life of Emma Harte, a business woman who works her way up from poverty in Leeds to riches in New York. Barnsley councillor Robin Franklin said he hoped the filming would showcase the town's "amazing buildings and heritage". "We're really pleased to welcome the production company to Barnsley Town Hall," he said. "It's another great opportunity to put Barnsley on the national stage." According to the Local Democracy Service, film crews arrived in Barnsley at the start of June and recently completed recording the scenes. The 1985 series was also filmed in Yorkshire and featured locations including Brimham Rocks and Yorkshire Dales villages Aysgarth and Middleham. Taylor Bradford was born in Armley, Leeds, and died aged 91 in November. The memorial service for Taylor Bradford took place at St Bride's Church in Fleet Street, with attendees including barrister Cherie Blair, TV presenter Fern Britton and journalist Eve Pollard. Jakeways said it was an "incredible thrill" to bring back the "inspirational" TV series. "I was a child in the 1980s, when A Woman of Substance was on every bookstand, every glass-topped coffee table and hidden, well-thumbed, under every pillow. "The original Channel 4 adaptation was packed full of rolling Yorkshire hills, hairspray, shoulder pads and heaving bosoms and I desperately wanted in." The new series is produced by The Forge Entertainment and will air on Channel 4 next year. Listen to highlights from South Yorkshire on BBC Sounds, catch up with the latest episode of Look North 28 Years Later cast and crew film in Yorkshire Film crews in city centre for 'milestone' thriller Full Monty film crew descend on housing estate
BBC News
6 days ago
- Entertainment
- BBC News
Filming spotted across Yorkshire on Woman of Substance remake
Crews filming a TV series based on Barbara Taylor Bradford's A Woman of Substance have been spotted across new eight-part remake comes 40 years after a 1985 adaptation became the most-watched programme in Channel 4's teams have recently been seen recording at Barnsley Town Hall, Ilkley Moor and Brodsworth Hall and Gardens near Bradford's 1979 novel has sold 30 million copies, with a memorial service to the novelist held in London on Thursday. Brenda Blethyn, Jessica Reynolds, Lenny Rush and Will Mellor star in the latest adaptation, with the series written by Katherine Jakeways and Roanne Brambani saw a "mass of caravans and cars" on Ilkley Moor while out for a morning run in May."As I approached I was asked to wait a few minutes as they were shooting a scene up on the rocks," she said."I have never seen the film but I remember reading the book."She added: "I have always been a fan of Barbara Taylor Bradford, her being a Yorkshire lass."A Woman of Substance follows the life of Emma Harte, a business woman who works her way up from poverty in Leeds to riches in New York. Barnsley councillor Robin Franklin said he hoped the filming would showcase the town's "amazing buildings and heritage"."We're really pleased to welcome the production company to Barnsley Town Hall," he said."It's another great opportunity to put Barnsley on the national stage."According to the Local Democracy Service, film crews arrived in Barnsley at the start of June and recently completed recording the scenes. The 1985 series was also filmed in Yorkshire and featured locations including Brimham Rocks and Yorkshire Dales villages Aysgarth and Middleham. Taylor Bradford was born in Armley, Leeds, and died aged 91 in November. The memorial service for Taylor Bradford took place at St Bride's Church in Fleet Street, with attendees including barrister Cherie Blair, TV presenter Fern Britton and journalist Eve said it was an "incredible thrill" to bring back the "inspirational" TV series."I was a child in the 1980s, when A Woman of Substance was on every bookstand, every glass-topped coffee table and hidden, well-thumbed, under every pillow."The original Channel 4 adaptation was packed full of rolling Yorkshire hills, hairspray, shoulder pads and heaving bosoms and I desperately wanted in."The new series is produced by The Forge Entertainment and will air on Channel 4 next year. Listen to highlights from South Yorkshire on BBC Sounds, catch up with the latest episode of Look North
Metro
14-06-2025
- Entertainment
- Metro
Beloved BBC series returning to TV as huge cast changes are confirmed
Another trip to Port Devine is on the horizon, with BBC confirming the return of Hope Street for a fifth series – which will include the milestone 50th episode. The BBC One daytime drama, which has proven incredibly popular with viewers in the UK, the US and beyond, follows the local police department and residents of fictional Northern Irish town Port Devine. Filmed in Donaghadee on Northern Ireland's coastline, Hope Street has enjoyed four successful series, which – in addition to the episodic crime stories – all have had their own unique identity. The first centred on the arrival of the Leila Hussain (Amara Karan), whose presence got everyone talking, while the second saw corrupt detective Al Quinn (Stephen Hagan) join the police force The third series saw Hollyoaks star Karen Hassan join the show as Jo Lipton, while the fourth, which Metro deemed the show's best to date, saw some major cast changes take place, with a new inspector in the form of Derry Girls' Tara-Lynne O'Neill. It's been quite some time since the latest season concluded and fans were left wondering about the show's future but I am pleased to report that Hope Street will return. Filming is imminently set to commence in Donaghadee for the fifth series, which will feature the milestone 50th episode. Fan-favourites Kerri Quinn (Marleen Pettigrew), Niamh McGrady (Nicole Devine-Dunwoody), Aaron McCusker (Clint Devine-Dunwoody), Finnian Garbutt (Ryan Power), Tara Lynne O'Neill (Eve Dunlop) will all return. Also returning are last season's favourites, Eleanor Methven (Lois Dunlop), Paddy Jenkins (Seamie McCarthy), Katie Shortt (Brandi McClure), Marcus Onilude (Luke Jackson), RhéAna Kamalu (Chloe Jackson) and Jonny Grogan (Ross Dunlop). This season appears to be the first without Callum McCarthy star Niall Wright, who recently joined the cast of Channel 4's A Woman Of Substance remake. Much like the previous years, Series 5 of Hope Street will bring along some new faces, with Krypton star Cameron Cuffe joining the cast as Constable Donal Gallagher. A well-known local rugby player, Donal is confident and charming but his career was cut short by an injury. As the newest member of the Port Devine police department, however, he has found a new zest for life – and will soon make his mark in Port Devine. Donal isn't the only newcomer, with The Lovers star Jenn Murray joining the cast as Doctor Sasha Cookson. Sasha, who has taken over her father's GP surgery, is direct, straight-talking and she wastes little time in rubbing up some of the locals the wrong way. Donal, however, finds such a thing rather charming – and it's not long before sparks begin to fly between the two. More Trending The tongues of the Port Devine residents will no doubt be wagging once more! Discussing the show's recommission, producer Paul Marquess said: 'We're delighted to invite viewers to spend some more time in beautiful Port Devine. The new series opens with a bang (literally) and – as always – combines relatable crime stories with warm and engaging character drama. 'We're delighted to welcome back so many Hope Street fan favourites – and to introduce a couple of new characters who will really keep the audience guessing…see you in The Commodore!' View More » The first four series' of Hope Street can be streamed for free on BBC iPlayer. If you've got a soap or TV story, video or pictures get in touch by emailing us soaps@ – we'd love to hear from you. Join the community by leaving a comment below and stay updated on all things soaps on our homepage. MORE: The 7 best 'explosive' Australian thrillers free to watch in UK MORE: EastEnders pulled from BBC iPlayer on Monday as new boss issues statement MORE: The Race Across The World victors aren't too posh to win
BreakingNews.ie
13-06-2025
- Entertainment
- BreakingNews.ie
Liam Neeson remembers ‘brilliant' Barbara Taylor Bradford in memorial message
Northern Ireland actor Liam Neeson has paid tribute to novelist Barbara Taylor Bradford in a message praising her brilliance and elegance read out at her memorial service. The 73-year-old reflected on his role in TV drama A Woman Of Substance, adapted from one of the author's most well-known books, in the note that was read out on his behalf. Advertisement Taylor Bradford died at the age of 91 on November 24th last year following a short illness, 'and was surrounded by loved ones to the very end', a spokeswoman said at the time. Author Barbara Taylor Bradford poses for pictures after she received her honour from Queen Elizabeth II (Steve Parsons/PA) Actors, authors and other notable figures attended the service at St Bride's Church in Fleet Street, London, on Thursday. Neeson said in his message: 'In 1984, I had the great honour of playing Blackie O'Neill in the television adaptation of Barbara Taylor Bradford's A Woman Of Substance, and again in its sequel, Hold The Dream. 'It was a landmark moment — the first television drama series to reach more than 13.8 million viewers on Britain's Channel 4 — and something we were all incredibly proud of. Advertisement 'But more than the numbers, it was Barbara's vision, her storytelling, and her fierce dedication to her characters that made the work so special. 'She was a force — elegant, brilliant and unstoppable — and I feel deeply privileged to have been part of bringing her words to life.' Liam Neeson starred in an adaptation of A Woman With Substance (Ian West/PA) Human rights lawyer Cherie Blair, wife of former prime minister Sir Tony Blair, was also in attendance and reflected on her friendship with the author in a speech. 'I can hardly believe it's been over 20 years since I first met Barbara in New York,' she said. Advertisement 'Tony and I were attending an event while he was UK Prime Minister. 'Although I can't recall the specifics of the event, I vividly remember meeting Barbara and, of course, her beloved husband, Bob (Robert Bradford). 'Meeting her was such a thrill — not only because I had read her books but also because she was a favourite author of both my mum and grandma. 'Barbara and I instantly connected as Northern girls who had ventured far from our roots, yet never forgot where we came from. Advertisement 'At the time of our first meeting, Tony had not read any of Barbara's books, but he was so struck by her intelligence, elegance, and charm that he subsequently watched the TV show and read the book. 'Barbara and I stayed in touch, regularly meeting when I was in New York or when she was in London. 'One memory I treasure is attending the Women of Substance Awards with her at the Dorchester in London in 2009. 'The awards were so typical of Barbara — her unwavering support for other women was truly inspiring. She even offered me invaluable advice when I was establishing my own foundation for women. Advertisement 'Barbara seemed ageless. Whenever we met, she was always engaged, well-informed, feisty and, of course, impeccably dressed. 'She was the epitome of a woman of substance — wise, fun and endlessly inspiring. We will deeply miss her warmth, wisdom and friendship.' Former prime minister Sir Tony Blair and his wife Cherie Blair (Leon Neal/PA) The service began with the theme music from A Woman Of Substance and included an address from actress Jenny Seagrove, who played a young Emma Harte in the TV mini-series. In April it was announced that Vera actress Brenda Blethyn will lead a new Channel 4 adaptation of A Woman Of Substance, playing protagonist Emma. The book is a rags-to-riches tale set in the 1900s that follows the life of Yorkshire servant Emma who later heads up a business empire. Taylor Bradford was often labelled 'the grand dame of blockbusters', with her books selling more than 91 million copies and having been published in more than 40 languages and in 90 countries. Other TV adaptations of her books included ITV's Act Of Will starring Elizabeth Hurley and Victoria Tennant, and To Be The Best, a sequel to A Woman Of Substance with Lindsay Wagner and Sir Anthony Hopkins.
