Brenda Blethyn and Jessica Reynolds have been set to play Emma Harte in Channel 4’s upcoming remake of A Woman of Substance.

The eight part series has begun filming in Yorkshire and is based on the book by Barbara Taylor Bradford.

The pair will be joined by Emmett J Scanlan as Adam Fairley, Lydia Leonard as Olivia Wainwright, Leanne Best as Adele Fairley, Ewan Horrocks as Edwin Fairley, and Harry Cadby as Gerald Fairley, 

Will Mellor is playing Jack Harte alongside Lenny Rush as Frank Harte, Niall Wright as Mac, Robert Wilfort as Murgatroyd, Toby Regbo as Jim Fairley, Hiftu Quasem as Priya Chandra, Sophie Bould as Elizabeth Harte and Georgina Sadler as Polly.

Speaking about her role as the older Emma Harte, Blethyn 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.”

Reynolds added: “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.”