Brenda Blethyn to lead Channel 4 adaptation of Barbara Taylor Bradford's A Woman Of Substance

The eight-episode series is a rags-to-riches tale set in 1911 that follows Blethyn’s character, impoverished Yorkshire maid Emma Harte, as she heads up a business empire.

Blethyn, 79, follows in the footsteps of Deborah Kerr, who played Emma in the original Channel 4 drama, which aired 40 years ago.

She 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.”

Irish actress Jessica Reynolds, who will play a younger version of Emma, said: “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.”

The cast ensemble also includes Irish actor Emmett J Scanlan as Adam Fairley, Line Of Duty’s Will Mellor as Jack Harte, and TV Bafta winner Lenny Rush as Frank Harte.

Rebecca Holdsworth, commissioning editor, drama, at Channel 4, said: “Attracting an ensemble cast of this quality is testament to Katherine (Jakeways) and Roanne’s (Bardsley) exceptional scripts.

“We are so excited to be bringing this fresh, sexy and bold adaptation of an iconic book to Channel 4.”

The 1985 TV adaptation of A Woman Of Substance starred Liam Neeson, with Jenny Seagrove playing a young Emma Harte.

It garnered two Emmy nominations, including for Kerr, who played a grown-up Emma.

Earlier this year Blethyn appeared in the role of Detective Vera Stanhope for one last time when the ITV drama series aired its final episode.

Transmission details for A Woman Of Substance will be announced in due course.