A Woman of Substance sees Vera legend Brenda Blethyn return to the small screen after the ITV drama ended last year.

A Woman of Substance is adapted from author Barbara Taylor Bradford’s book which has been regarded as one of the best-selling novels of all time.

Channel 4 is launching its new adaptation of A Woman of Substance tonight, Wednesday, March 11, featuring actress Brenda Blethyn in her first role since ITV drama Vera concluded.

Based on the novel of the same name, A Woman of Substance follows maid Emma Harte who challenges social conventions and creates a global empire.

Moving between two timelines, the eight-part series shows how Emma (played by Jessica Reynolds) climbed through her early years hardships to present day where she (Brenda Blethyn) confronts fresh unexpected challenges.

Where was A Woman of Substance filmed?

Captured in spring 2025, the early 1900s sequences with a young Emma, were shot across Yorkshire, with the Grade 1-listed Georgian mansion Broughton Hall doubling for Fairley Hall.

Broughton Hall was also utilised as a filming location in Channel 4’s original 1984 adaptation of A Woman of Substance.

Broughton Hall is the 16th Century country house situated at the centre of the 3,000 actress Broughton Sanctuary estate.

Whilst the house itself remains unchanged, it is now encircled by the sanctuary, home to the Avalon Wellbeing Centre and includes holiday rentals, which can be reserved by guests.

A Woman of Substance actress jessica reynolds

Inside A Woman of Substance’s stunning Yorkshire filming locations (Image: CHANNEL 4)

Brodsworth Hall and Gardens doncaster

Channel 4’s A Woman of Substance was filmed in and around Yorkshire, as well as at Brodsworth Hall and Gardens in Doncaster. (Image: GETTY)

Production crews were also spotted at Ilkley Moor, Barnsley Town Hall and at Brodsworth Hall and Gardens in Doncaster.

An English Heritage spokesperson, discussing Brodsworth Hall’s role in the series, stated: “Last year we were pleased to welcome a production company, filming scenes for an adaption of Barbara Taylor Bradford’s A Woman of Substance.

“Filming took place within our Servants’ Wing, Laburnam Arch and Target House/Range and we are extremely excited and proud to see Brodsworth on the small screen!”

Reynolds, who portrays the younger Emma Harte, shared her experiences of filming in Yorkshire with Country and Town House.

channel 4 a woman of substance
Vera actress Brenda Blethyn stars in Channel 4’s A Woman of Substance. (Image: CHANNEL 4)

She said: ‘I know the crew worry about wind and rain, but I just love being able to have nature around me and working off the elements. I feel much less self-conscious, and freer.

“Some of the locations were just breathtaking and those are the images that stick in my mind today when I think back to filming; Yorkshire is just stunning.

“Those are some of Emma’s happiest moments too, when she’s so connected to the land – it’s a beautiful thing.”

Meanwhile, contemporary scenes featuring Vera star Blethyn, supposedly set in New York, were actually filmed in Liverpool.

This isn’t the first instance of Liverpool serving as a stand-in for New York in film production, with major films including Fantastic Beasts and Where to Find Them and 2022’s The Batman also shot in the UK city.