The life of Emma Harte, from kitchen maid at the beginning of the 20th-century, to respected businesswoman and grandmother in the 1980s. From humble beginnings, Emma Harte starts her business with a small shop, but over the next twenty years, she expands her stores and invests in the growing textile industry in Leeds.

A Woman of Substance (2026)

A rags-to-riches tale of ambition, power, and revenge.

★ 7.7/10 March 11, 2026 1 season

Drama

Creator: Barbara Taylor Bradford

The life of Emma Harte, from kitchen maid at the beginning of the 20th-century, to respected businesswoman and grandmother in the 1980s. From humble beginnings, Emma Harte starts her business with a small shop, but over the next twenty years, she expands her stores and invests in the growing textile industry in Leeds.

Where to watch

Britbox Apple TV channel BritBox BritBox Amazon Channel

Trailer

Creators

Barbara Taylor Bradford

Cast

Jessica Reynolds Young Emma Harte Brenda Blethyn Older Emma Harte Emmett J. Scanlan Adam Fairley Lydia Leonard Olivia Wainwright Toby Regbo Jim Fairley Leanne Best Adele Fairley Ewan Horrocks Edwin Fairley Lenny Rush Frank Harte Will Mellor Jack Harte Jo Joyner Elizabeth Harte Ainsley Harry Cadby Gerald Fairley