Channel 4 to remake its most-watched drama EVER – four decades on from its debut
A source said the decision was a 'no brainer' for the network
CHANNEL 4 is remaking its most-watched drama ever – 40 years on from its first inception.
Bosses at the broadcaster are rebooting A Woman Of Substance, which is based on the late Barbara Taylor Bradford’s best-selling 1979 novel.
It comes three years after production company The Forge acquired the rights to her series of raunchy books.
The Sun can exclusively reveal Channel 4 have green-lit the plans after years of pitching to channels by execs and the success of Disney+’s adaption of Rivals by author Dame Jilly Cooper.
The drama – which originally aired in 1985 – broke rating records for Channel 4 and still ranks top on its streaming charts.
It told the story of a British servant girl who launches her own retail empire, having originally started out as a maid.
A source close to the reboot said: “The reboot is in its very early stages and a full production team is still being established.
“They’ve not cast the series yet but are planning to begin filming in mid 2025, giving them time to prepare cast and finalise scripts.
“It was a no-brainer for Channel 4 to pick up the format, given the sheer success the first time round.”
The original three-part saga starred Liam Neeson with Jenny Seagrove as Emma Harte.
Its finale pulled in Channel 4’s highest audience of 13.8million viewers and received two Emmy nominations.
A Woman of Substance has sold an incredible 30 million copies since its release four decades ago.
Barbara Taylor Bradford died just last month, at the age of 91.
She passed away peacefully at her home on Sunday 24 November following a brief illness.
Charlie Redmayne, CEO of HarperCollins Publishers UK, said: “Barbara Taylor Bradford was a truly exceptional writer whose first book, the international bestseller A Woman of Substance changed the lives of so many who read it – and still does to this day.
“She was a natural storyteller, deeply proud of her Yorkshire roots – she would regale us of her time working on the Yorkshire Evening Post with fellow reporter Keith Waterhouse and trainee photographer Peter O’Toole, the dawn of the Soho café society, and the many happy years shared with the love of her life, her husband, Bob.
“For 45 years, she was a huge part of our company and a great, great friend – we will miss her so much – but there is some solace in the knowledge that she is now, once again, alongside her beloved Bob. A life well-lived….”