Latest news with #AWomanofSubstance
Daily Mirror
7 days ago
- Entertainment
- Daily Mirror
Vera's Brenda Blethyn lands role in 'striking' new historical comedy
Actress Brenda Blethyn is currently filming the reboot of A Woman of Substance but she will be working on another historical piece later this year Brenda Blethyn has lined up a number of exciting TV projects since stepping down as iconic detective, DCI Vera Stanhope, in ITV's long-running crime drama Vera and among them is upcoming historical comedy, Fools. Brenda stars alongside Karen Gillan and Jim Broadbent in the upcoming film, which explores the little-known story of Mary Tudor's friendship with her female court jester. The news comes as the 79-year-old films the reboot of A Woman of Substance, which was previously a TV hit in 1984 and shot a young Jenny Seagrove to fame. Fools is set in 1553 in the aftermath of Henry VIII's death, the period comedy follows England's first Queen, Mary I, as she takes the throne in the midst of a country on the brink of chaos. A synopsis from Variety reads: "While the ambitious Cardinal Pole plots to secure control, he overlooks a humble court jester, Jane Foole." It continues: ""The pious and apparently humourless queen finds Jane's brilliant slapstick routines uproariously funny, and they strike up a genuine friendship, the comedy lightening Mary's mood in the darkest of times, and helping fend off Pole's murderous manipulation. But can Jane's comedy save a nation from civil war?" Directed by Guy Jenkin (Outnumbered) the cast is led by Doctor Who star Karen Gillan as Mary Tudor. She stars alongside Patsy Ferran (Hot Milk, Miss Austen) as the jester, and Jim Broadbent (Harry Potter, Moulin Rouge) as a scheming cardinal. Details about Brenda's character have yet to be revealed. Guy said of the film: "I am thrilled to be working with such a supremely talented core group of actors on Fools. Together, we will tell the untold story of the strange friendship between England's first Queen, and her female jester. Fools will turn the conventions of a historical film inside-out, and promises to be subversive, striking and very funny." Producer Ryan Bennett of PaperEpic Productions added: "With Fools, Guy has discovered a fascinating, hidden piece of history. This is a story where comedy actually saves lives. It's a defence of moderation, and a celebration of the power of laughter." The film is set to be shot later this year, with a release date yet to be announced. Meanwhile, Brenda has already been busy filming the reboot of the Emmy-nominated series, A Woman of Substance for Channel 4. The series, based on the 1979 novel of the same name, chronicles the life of Emma Harte, a Yorkshire housemaid who rises to become a successful department store tycoon.
Wales Online
12-06-2025
- Entertainment
- Wales Online
Cherie Blair says Barbara Taylor Bradford was ‘inspiration to me and millions'
Cherie Blair says Barbara Taylor Bradford was 'inspiration to me and millions' The 70-year-old told the PA news agency she "clicked" with the A Woman Of Substance writer when they first met in the early 2000s in New York EMBARGOED TO 1100 MONDAY NOVEMBER 25 Undated handout photo issued by Bradford Enterprises of author Barbara Taylor Bradford, who has died XBestselling novelist Barbara Taylor Bradford, who wrote A Woman of Substance, has died at the age of 91, it has been announced. Issue date: Monday November 25, 2024. PA Photo. See PA story DEATH TaylorBradford. Photo credit should read: Caroll Taveras/Bradford Enterprises/PA Wire NOTE TO EDITORS: This handout photo may only be used for editorial reporting purposes for the contemporaneous illustration of events, things or the people in the image or facts mentioned in the caption. Reuse of the picture may require further permission from the copyright holder. Writer and barrister Cherie Blair has described Barbara Taylor Bradford as "an inspiration to me, and to millions" at a memorial service for the author. The 70-year-old told the PA news agency she "clicked" with the A Woman Of Substance writer when they first met in the early 2000s in New York. She paid tribute before the service at St Bride's Church in Fleet Street, London, on Thursday, which was attended by about 100 people, dressed in an array of colours, including actors, authors and fans of the novelist. Taylor Bradford died at the age of 91 on November 24 last year following a short illness, "and was surrounded by loved ones to the very end", a spokeswoman said at the time. Mrs Blair, who is married to former British prime minister Tony Blair, said of the author: "We're two northern girls of similar backgrounds, and we were friends ever since. "Barbara was the woman of substance, she was elegant, she was warm, she was intelligent, she was feisty, she was an amazing person and a really good friend. Article continues below "Every time she wrote a new book, she would send one to me, but she also sent one to my mum too. "She was a great novelist because she absorbed knowledge from all around her, she gave back so much, she never forgot her northern roots. "She was my friend, and she's an inspiration to me, and to millions." The ceremony began with the theme to the TV adaption of A Woman Of Substance, before a choir sang In Paradisum from Gabriel Faure's Requiem. The choir's performance was followed by a welcome and opening prayer from reverend canon Dr Alison Joyce, who spoke about Taylor Bradford's roots as a journalist at the Yorkshire Evening Post. Actor Liam Neeson, 73, who starred in the Channel 4 adaption of Taylor Bradford's book, also paid tribute to the novelist during the service, in a message read out by actress Jenny Seagrove. 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. "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." Seagrove, 67, who played Emma Harte in the adaption, told PA: "Barbara championed women before a lot of other people. It's now fashionable to give women a voice, but Barbara fought for strong women. "She wrote strong women. She was a strong woman." The actress continued: "Barbara was a force of nature, she didn't suffer fools, she had great attention to detail, she always had a chuckle, and always saw the funny side of things. "She was deeply, deeply in love and loved by her husband, it was one of the most extraordinary relationships. "She loved her dogs, I used to ring up because I love dogs, and we talked about whatever Bichon Frise she'd got at the time. "She used to say, 'I put my makeup on as a mask, and then I go to battle', she went out there and took on the world, and boy, did she succeed. "She was a friend, she meant a lot to me, her work changed my life. But more than anything, I'm here because I loved her, and I think probably everybody here was here because they loved her, because she was a remarkably loyal woman. "If she loved you, she stood by you. That was it." Also in attendance was TV presenter Fern Britton, 67, who told PA the "moving, yet rich and warm" ceremony had brought her to tears. She said: "The books will obviously stand as her legacy. "But for me, it is seeing her walk into a room with a beautiful suit on, carrying an Hermes bag with an Hermes scarf tied around it and fabulous jewellery and her big smile – that for me, is her legacy." Taylor Bradford's best known book A Woman Of Substance 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. 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. The former US editor in chief of Elle magazine, Eve Pollard, who is the mother of Claudia Winkleman, told PA she felt her long-time friend had been in the church with her. The 81-year-old said: "I found the service very moving and very Barbara, that was what was wonderful. "I think Jenny Seagrove said she's in the room and you more or less felt she was and I said to somebody, 'can't we all go to our memorial services and then die quietly later?' because it was perfect. "It had everything, it had New York in it and the Yorkshire side of it." Article continues below The author 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. 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.
Wales Online
03-06-2025
- Business
- Wales Online
Brenda Blethyn unrecognisable as she takes on 'iconic role' in Channel 4 reboot
Brenda Blethyn unrecognisable as she takes on 'iconic role' in Channel 4 reboot Brenda Blethyn has been spotted looking completely different to her Vera character as she takes on a new role in the reboot of A Woman of Substance. Brenda Blethyn is set to surprise fans of Vera as she embarks on a fresh endeavour, taking on a new character that's a stark contrast to her familiar ITV role. At 79-years-old, Brenda is stepping into the shoes of Emma Harte in the revamped version of the 1984 Emmy-nominated drama A Woman of Substance, which will broadcast on Channel 4. The series, adapted from the 1979 novel by the same title, charts the extraordinary journey of Emma Harte, a Yorkshire maid who becomes a powerful businesswoman and establishes a thriving department store empire. Captured on set in photos released by Digital Spy, the esteemed actress appears almost unrecognisable sporting white hair arranged in a vintage 70s style. Clad in a cream coat, Brenda was photographed wearing a silk scarf and rain bonnet, complete with circular sunglasses and a red work bag emblazoned with the initials EH, reports Devon Live. Brenda Blethyn unrecognisable as she takes on 'iconic role' in Channel 4 reboot (Image: Dave) Article continues below In this reimagined adaptation, Brenda takes on the lead role, while Jessica Reynolds portrays the younger Emma Harte. The original series featured Deborah Kerr and Jenny Seagrove in these roles back in 1984. The show's synopsis describes the plot as follows: "Emma Harte, an impoverished ambitious maid in Yorkshire, England goes on a dizzying journey to become the world's richest woman, gazing down from a sprawling luxury New York penthouse. A rags-to-riches tale of women through the 20th century, Emma defies the expectations of her society, fearlessly challenging the roles she's given, smashing glass ceilings, and never, ever deviating from her masterplan: Get to the top. Whatever it takes." The actress has ditched the raincoat and detective hat (Image: ITV ) Brenda expressed her delight at stepping into the role, saying: "I'm overjoyed to be taking on this iconic role in the footsteps of the great Deborah Kerr. As a fan of [author] Barbara Taylor Bradford, it is an unmissable opportunity to play the fierce Emma Harte." Jessica shared her enthusiasm as well, remarking: "To be a part of A Woman of Substance and to step into the shoes of Emma is an absolute dream for me." She continued, highlighting the team's talent: "The team and cast we have behind this are truly inspiring and I'm so excited to bring the stunning scripts and this great piece of literature to the screen." A Woman of Substance is currently in production (Image: Mike Marsland/WireImage ) The Channel 4 series will also feature actors Emmett J Scanlan, Lydia Leonard, Sophie Bould, Leanne Best, and Will Mellor. Rebecca Holdsworth, Channel 4's commissioning editor for drama, praised the project, stating: "Attracting an ensemble cast of this quality is testament to Katherine and Roanne's exceptional scripts." Article continues below She further added: "We are so excited to be bringing this fresh, sexy and bold adaptation of an iconic book to Channel 4." The broadcast date for A Woman of Substance on Channel 4 has yet to be announced.
Daily Mirror
03-06-2025
- Entertainment
- Daily Mirror
Vera's Brenda Blethyn transforms for new role as she leaves iconic look behind
Vera star Brenda Blethyn is set to appear in a brand new TV series - and she looks a world away from the ITV character in the first look at the show. Brenda Blethyn is almost unrecognisable in her new role, a stark contrast to her familiar appearance on ITV's Vera. The 79-year-old actress is set to star in the reboot of the 1984 Emmy-nominated series, A Woman of Substance, which will be broadcast on Channel 4. The series, based on the 1979 novel of the same name, chronicles the life of Emma Harte, a Yorkshire housemaid who rises to become a successful department store tycoon. Photos obtained by Digital Spy show the beloved actress filming for the show, sporting white hair styled in a 70s-inspired updo. Dressed in a cream coat, Brenda is seen accessorising with a silk scarf, a rain bonnet, round sunglasses and a red work bag bearing the initials E H , reports Devon Live. In this reimagined series, Brenda takes on the lead role, with Jessica Reynolds portraying a younger Emma Harte. The original series saw Deborah Kerr and Jenny Seagrove in the starring roles. The series synopsis reads: "Emma Harte, an impoverished ambitious maid in Yorkshire, England goes on a dizzying journey to become the world's richest woman, gazing down from a sprawling luxury New York penthouse. A rags-to-riches tale of women through the 20th century, Emma defies the expectations of her society, fearlessly challenging the roles she's given, smashing glass ceilings, and never, ever deviating from her masterplan: Get to the top. Whatever it takes." Brenda expressed her delight about joining the project, commenting: "I'm overjoyed to be taking on this iconic role in the footsteps of the great Deborah Kerr. As a fan of [author] Barbara Taylor Bradford, it is an unmissable opportunity to play the fierce Emma Harte." Jessica echoed the sentiment, adding: "To be a part of A Woman of Substance and to step into the shoes of Emma is an absolute dream for me. "The team and cast we have behind this are truly inspiring and I'm so excited to bring the stunning scripts and this great piece of literature to the screen." They will be joined by a star-studded lineup that includes Emmett J Scanlan, Lydia Leonard, Sophie Bould, Leanne Best and Will Mellor. Channel 4's drama commissioning editor, Rebecca Holdsworth, praised the casting, saying: "Attracting an ensemble cast of this quality is testament to Katherine and Roanne's exceptional scripts." She added that Channel 4 is thrilled: "We are so excited to be bringing this fresh, sexy and bold adaptation of an iconic book to Channel 4." Details regarding the air date for A Woman of Substance remain under wraps.
Daily Mirror
29-04-2025
- Entertainment
- Daily Mirror
Brenda Blethyn lands major new role in eight-part series after quitting Vera
Actress to take the lead in reworking of iconic novel, 40 years after it was Channel 4's biggest ever drama When Brenda Blethyn quit ITV's Vera after 14 years she insisted she was not retiring - now the actress has signed up to play the 'fierce' lead in A Woman of Substance. Brenda, 79, will take the lead in an eight-part adaptation of Barbara Taylor Bradford 's iconic novel for Channel 4 alongside Jessica Reynolds, who plays the younger version of main character Emma Harte. The revenge romp drama previously aired on Channel 4 40 years ago, starring Deborah Kerr, and became the station's biggest ever drama, also winning an Emmy nomination. Set in 1911, the story follows impoverished but ambitious Yorkshire maid Emma as she embarks on a dizzying journey to become the world 's richest woman. The character is also a daughter, mother, lover and fighter who refused to know her 'place', becoming a 20 th century feminist icon. On accepting the major new challenge, 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.' Filming has kicked off in Yorkshire with the cast also including Emmett J Scanlan, Will Mellor as Adam Fairley, Lydia Leonard as Olivia Wainwright and Leanne Best as Adele Fairley, The rags-to-riches tale shows Emma defying the lowly expectations that society has thrust upon her, leading her to fearlessly challenge the roles she's given, smashing glass ceilings along the way. Jessica, whose previous roles include Kneecap & the Wolf and The Fox & The Leopard, said the role was an 'absolute dream' adding: 'The team and cast we have behind this are truly inspiring and I'm so excited to bring the stunning scripts and this great piece of literature to the screen.' Channel 4 drama commissioning editor Rebecca Holdswoth said the 'exceptional' scripts, from Katherine Takeaways and Roanne Bardsley would produce a 'fresh, sexy and bold adaptation of an iconic book'. After bowing out as Vera, Brenda told how she wanted to reclaim her summers and said: 'On the last day I felt very emotional. It's her packing up her stuff and backing out of the office and I could have cried to be honest. It's so bittersweet because I've loved every minute of this job.' The last ever scene of series 14, which aired in January based on Ann Cleeves' 11th novel The Dark Wives, saw Vera walking across a beach with a smile on her face. A Woman of Substance is due to air on Channel 4 next year.
