'People love a story of an underdog': Jessica Reynolds reveals why A Woman of Substance is making a comeback

The iconic rags-to-riches tale focuses on Emma Harte, a young maid who goes on a dizzying journey from Yorkshire to New York as she builds a business empire.

The story was first published as a novel by the Yorkshire Evening Post’s own Barbara Taylor Bradford, who has recently had a plaque unveiled in her honour, in 1979. It’s a tale that has captivated audiences for decades, and now Channel 4 have decided to bring it back.

In the new eight-part series, House of Guinness star Jessica Reynolds takes on the leading role of a young Emma.

For Jessica, it was a dream to play a complex yet authentic character.

Jessica told the YEP: “Every actress wants to be part of a female-led show and where the focus is on female characters, especially ones that are layered and nuanced.

“I loved the idea of being able to play a woman that is so loveable and inspirational but also who makes some questionable decisions.

“Emma’s portrayed so authentically, she’s flawed and we don’t always understand her but we always love her.”

Following the tradition of the 1985 series, the new A Woman of Substance sees Jessica share the role of Emma with Vera’s Brenda Blethyn who plays the older, richer, and more ruthless version of the character.

The two never share scenes, however when Jessica met Brenda on set she said it felt like imagining meeting herself in decades to come. This uncanny experience made her reflect on their shared character and the turbulent journey she takes on.

Jessica said: “The emotional through line of Emma’s journey is really moving and touching.

“To imagine yourself getting to that point and being such a success in the world but then pondering whether you are proud of who you’ve become, I think is really interesting.

“She has so much money and success and she's built a life for herself that’s incredible but I wonder is she better off when she’s younger or in the future?”

Yorkshire is a key part of the A Woman of Substance story, first when Emma works as a maid at the fictional Fairley Hall within the North York Moors and then when she decides to move to Leeds. Jessica described her experience filming in this region as a time she will always “hold so close” to her heart.

As a Northern Irish actor, Jessica worked with dialect coach Natalie Grady to perfect her own Yorkshire accent, and took tips from the show’s northern crew and her close northern friends.

The revival of A Woman of Substance arrives at a time when there is an increased demand for regional representation on screen. According to Jessica, both Yorkshire and Northern Ireland are “having their moment” in film and TV as audiences want to see more stories they can relate to.

Jessica said: “I think TV is learning to spread its wings and the industry is learning that people want regional stories and not just posh people in the south of England having fancy dinners with each other.

“We want to hear accents, we want to see ourselves reflected. We want to hear something outside of the norm.

“People love a story of an underdog. I think in this day and age, where the world is treacherous, it's tough. We need to connect with each other and that's why regional stories are becoming more important.”

Though the original A Woman of Substance novel was written back in 1979 and begins set in 1911, Jessica believes it is a story still relevant for audiences today as the challenges Emma faces are similar to many modern-day women.

She hopes the series can be a showcase that “no matter what” your background is you have the power to change your life.

At the same time, as the adaptation stays true to the Romanticism and melodrama of the original series, it’s also something Jessica hopes offers the perfect escapist watch.

Jessica said: “The world is tough at the moment and nowadays people love a sense of escapism.

“There’s a need after a busy tough day at work with everything on in the news to go home and escape into something that can sweep you away and make you feel part of something else. I think the show definitely does that.”

A Woman of Substance begins on Channel 4 on Wednesday March 11 at 9pm.