A Woman of Substance (2026)
Synopsis
The life of Emma Harte, from kitchen maid at the beginning of the 20th-century, to respected businesswoman and grandmother in the 1980s. From humble beginnings, Emma Harte starts her business with a small shop, but over the next twenty years, she expands her stores and invests in the growing textile industry in Leeds.
First Air Date: 2026-03-11
Last Air Date: 2026-04-02
Number of Seasons: 1
Number of Episodes: 8
Created By: Barbara Taylor Bradford
Networks: Channel 4
Top Cast
- Jessica Reynolds as Young Emma Harte
- Brenda Blethyn as Older Emma Harle
- Emmett J. Scanlan as Adam Fairley
- Lydia Leonard as Olivia Wainwright
- Toby Regbo as Jim Fairley
- Leanne Best as Adele Fairley
- Ewan Horrocks as Edwin Fairley
- Lenny Rush as Frank Harte
- Will Mellor as Jack Harte
- Jo Joyner as Elizabeth Harte Ainsley
Seasons
Series 1 (2026)
The life of Emma Harte, from kitchen maid at the beginning of the 20th-century, to respected businesswoman and grandmother in the 1980s. From humble beginnings, Emma Harte starts her business with a small shop, but over the next twenty years, she expands her stores and invests in the growing textile industry in Leeds.
Episodes:
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Ep. 1: Episode 1
Set in early 1900s Yorkshire, ambitious maid Emma Harte is torn between her dreams of a better life and a forbidden romance with Edwin Fairley. Meanwhile, in 1970s New York, a plot threatens the empire she's built.
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Ep. 2: Episode 2
As young Emma and Edwin fall deeper in love, Emma struggles to picture their future together. Adam and Olivia embark on an affair. And in the 1970s, Emma reckons with her children’s plan to oust her.
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Ep. 3: Episode 3
When Mac announces that he's leaving Fairley, Emma has an opportunity to escape too... but can she leave Edwin? Meanwhile, Adele’s sobriety re-ignites her marriage with Adam.
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Ep. 4: Episode 4
A heavily pregnant Emma starts a new life in Armley, while Edwin’s fiancée Priya begins to ask questions. In the 1970s, Emma confronts Edwina and discovers Paula’s secret romance.
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Ep. 5: Episode 5
Emma's tempted by romance for the first time since Edwin. But love has let her down before... A sober Adele threatens everything for Adam and Olivia. And Paula faces an impossible choice.
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Ep. 6: Episode 6
Emma prepares the perfect Christmas for her family, but her obsession with work and revenge brings danger to her door. In the 1970s, as Emma recovers, an oblivious Paula doubles down on her romance.
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Ep. 7: Episode 7
Britain is at war. To stay afloat, Emma takes a huge gamble that could cost her far more than her business...
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Ep. 8: Episode 8
As the war rages on, young Emma fights to keep her empire afloat. Is an unlikely alliance her only lifeline? And Emma returns home to Yorkshire for her 80th birthday, armed with a cunning plan.
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