Vera's Brenda Blethyn transforms for new role as she leaves iconic look behind
Brenda Blethyn is almost unrecognisable in her new role, a stark contrast to her familiar appearance on ITV's Vera.
The 79-year-old actress is set to star in the reboot of the 1984 Emmy-nominated series, A Woman of Substance, which will be broadcast on Channel 4.
The series, based on the 1979 novel of the same name, chronicles the life of Emma Harte, a Yorkshire housemaid who rises to become a successful department store tycoon.
Photos obtained by Digital Spy show the beloved actress filming for the show, sporting white hair styled in a 70s-inspired updo.
Dressed in a cream coat, Brenda is seen accessorising with a silk scarf, a rain bonnet, round sunglasses and a red work bag bearing the initials E H , reports Devon Live.
In this reimagined series, Brenda takes on the lead role, with Jessica Reynolds portraying a younger Emma Harte. The original series saw Deborah Kerr and Jenny Seagrove in the starring roles.
The series synopsis reads: "Emma Harte, an impoverished ambitious maid in Yorkshire, England goes on a dizzying journey to become the world's richest woman, gazing down from a sprawling luxury New York penthouse. A rags-to-riches tale of women through the 20th century, Emma defies the expectations of her society, fearlessly challenging the roles she's given, smashing glass ceilings, and never, ever deviating from her masterplan: Get to the top. Whatever it takes."
Brenda expressed her delight about joining the project, commenting: "I'm overjoyed to be taking on this iconic role in the footsteps of the great Deborah Kerr. As a fan of [author] Barbara Taylor Bradford, it is an unmissable opportunity to play the fierce Emma Harte."
Jessica echoed the sentiment, adding: "To be a part of A Woman of Substance and to step into the shoes of Emma is an absolute dream for me.
"The team and cast we have behind this are truly inspiring and I'm so excited to bring the stunning scripts and this great piece of literature to the screen."
They will be joined by a star-studded lineup that includes Emmett J Scanlan, Lydia Leonard, Sophie Bould, Leanne Best and Will Mellor.
Channel 4's drama commissioning editor, Rebecca Holdsworth, praised the casting, saying: "Attracting an ensemble cast of this quality is testament to Katherine and Roanne's exceptional scripts."
She added that Channel 4 is thrilled: "We are so excited to be bringing this fresh, sexy and bold adaptation of an iconic book to Channel 4."
Details regarding the air date for A Woman of Substance remain under wraps.
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