Hit series is most-watched drama on C4 in five years

The Forge’s historical drama reboot A Woman of Substance is returning to Channel 4 for a second series, following a breakout run on the broadcaster.

The series, based on Barbara Taylor Bradford’s seminal novel, became the most-watched drama for C4 since 2021’s It’s A Sin, following its launch in March.

Stars Brenda Blethyn and Jessica Reynolds both return to the drama, which centres on Emma Harte, a housemaid-turned-mogul and 20^th century feminist icon who refused to know her ‘place’.

Eight-part series two rejoins Emma navigating life after World War I as she enters the fast-changing world of the 1920s, bent on getting revenge against the Fairley family, into whom her granddaughter and chosen heir Paula has secretly married.

According to C4, the first series had an average audience of 3m per episode, helping it to become the most-watched drama on the broadcaster’s streaming service.

Katherine Jakeways (The Buccaneers) will return to write series two alongside Roanne Bardsley (Boiling Point) and filming will commence in Yorkshire later this year.

A Woman of Substance was ordered by C4’s interim head of Channel 4 drama Gwawr Lloyd, who said: “Following the incredible success and popularity of the brilliant first series, we’re thrilled to be bringing the incomparable and iconic Emma Harte back to Channel 4 again.”

Louise Donald serves at the commissioning editor for Channel 4.

The Forge’s Beth Willis and Joe Innes will exec produce alongside Jakeways and Bardsley and The Barbara Taylor Bradford Trust. Richard Senior is the director.

A Woman of Substance will be distributed internationally by Banijay Rights.