ITV Vera star lands role with Death in Paradise actor after quitting series
The 8-part Channel 4 series based on Barbara Taylor Bradford's novel features Will Mellor, Jo Joyner and Brenda Blethyn in the rags-to-riches drama
Channel 4’s reimagining of the beloved story, A Woman of Substance, has unveiled another heavyweight addition to its cast – EastEnders favourite Jo Joyner.
Jo will star alongside Vera’s Brenda Blethyn and Death in Paradise actor Will Mellor in the upcoming eight-part drama, adapted from Barbara Taylor Bradford’s bestselling novel.
Brenda, who played DCI Stanhope in Vera up until she quit, takes on the role of Emma Harte, a woman whose remarkable “rags to riches” story unfolds across the series. The character is brought to life by both Brenda and Jessica Reynolds, with Jessica portraying the younger Emma.
They follow in the footsteps of Deborah Kerr and Jenny Seagrove, who played the roles in Channel 4’s 1985 adaptation.
RadioTimes.com has now confirmed that Stay Close and Ackley Bridge star Jo will play Elizabeth Harte Ainsley in the new production. Elizabeth, who becomes Emma’s daughter, devastatingly turns against her mother in an act of betrayal that shatters their bond.
Brenda Blethyn has landed a new role after her exit from Vera(Image: Channel 4)
This treachery drives Emma to pursue revenge against those she views as disloyal – and Elizabeth is firmly in her sights. Here’s an exclusive first look at Joyner in character, released by Channel 4, reports the Express.
Across the series, audiences will follow Emma’s remarkable journey from an impoverished but determined maid in 1911 to becoming the world’s richest woman decades later, having challenged convention and shattered barriers throughout her ascent.
“Her masterplan: Get to the top. Whatever it takes,” the synopsis teases. The star-studded cast of A Woman of Substance includes Emmett J Scanlan, Lydia Leonard, Lenny Rush, and Robert Wilfort.
Jo Joyner will play Brenda Blethyn’s daughter in the bold adaptation(Image: Channel 4)
Viewers can also look forward to performances from Leanne Best (This City Is Ours), Ewan Horrocks (The Last Kingdom), Harry Cadby (In Flight), Toby Regbo (A Discovery of Witches), Hiftu Quasem (The Witcher), Georgina Sadler (Boarders), and Niall Wright (Slow Horses).
The creative team behind Apple TV’s The Buccaneers, including writers Katherine Jakeways and Roanne Bardsley, as well as director John Hardwick, who directed the initial filming block, are all on board for this production.
Rebecca Holdsworth, commissioning editor at Channel 4, expressed her excitement: “Attracting an ensemble cast of this quality is a testament to Katherine and Roanne’s exceptional scripts. We are so excited to be bringing this fresh, sexy, and bold adaptation of an iconic book to Channel 4.”
