Channel 4 Revives ‘A Woman Of Substance,’ Expands Drama Slate with New Titles

Channel 4 has confirmed a remake of its acclaimed drama ‘A Woman Of Substance,’ following the death of its author. The new adaptation will explore Emma Harte’s journey from a maid to immense wealth, produced by The Forge. The network also announced new shows including ‘The Rachel Incident’ and Daisy Haggard’s ‘Maya,’ alongside a second season of ‘The Undeclared War.’

Channel 4 is revamping its iconic drama, ‘A Woman Of Substance,’ marking a significant return to one of its most unforgettable stories. The announcement follows the recent passing of author Barbara Taylor Bradford, who penned the original novel. The new adaptation focuses on Emma Harte, the ambitious maid from Yorkshire, who rises to become immensely wealthy, overseeing her expansive empire from a lavish New York penthouse, with Katherine Jakeways and Roanne Bardsley adapting the script.

At the helm of this revitalized series is the production company The Forge, backed by Banijay, and the venture is supported by former Channel 4 drama executive, Beth Willis. Originally aired 40 years ago and starring Jenny Seagrove, the original series captivated audiences, drawing over 14 million viewers, a record that remains unmatched today.

Alongside this remake, Channel 4 is exploring new territory with an eclectic mix of dramas, under the guidance of Ollie Madden, the newly appointed drama and movie commissioner. With a commitment to produce one drama monthly and a doubled budget, Channel 4 is set to embrace innovative storytelling.

Among the projects lined up is ‘The Rachel Incident,’ an adaptation of Caroline O’Donoghue’s bestselling novel depicting a life-altering friendship borne out of a bookstore setting in Cork. There’s also ‘Maya,’ a dark comedy from Daisy Haggard that dives into the witness protection system in the UK, showcasing a mother’s fierce determination to protect her child.

Further offerings include ‘Falling,’ penned by Jack Thorne, exploring a love story between a nun and a Catholic priest, and ‘Pierre,’ the debut TV series from playwright Roy Williams, featuring David Harewood as a beleaguered West London solicitor.

Additionally, Channel 4 will be bringing back ‘The Undeclared War’ for its second season, nearly three years after the first. This thrilling series addresses the ramifications of a hypothetical Russian cyber-attack on Britain, showcasing the talent of Simon Pegg and new cast member Sian Brooke. Peter Kosminsky takes on the role of executive producer for this intense narrative.

Madden expressed, “Our commitment at Channel 4 drama is to make shows which offer a tangible point of difference, shine a light on British society in a thought-provoking and fresh way.” With such a dynamic array of new and returning shows, viewers can expect to be thoroughly entertained.

Channel 4’s announcement of a remake of ‘A Woman Of Substance’ reflects the network’s intent to innovate while honoring its history. The slate includes a mixture of adaptations and original creations, signaling a focus on diverse storytelling that resonates with audiences today. Under the leadership of Ollie Madden, Channel 4 aims to explore bold narratives that reflect British society, ensuring viewers remain engaged and entertained.

Original Source: deadline.com