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Daily Mirror
20-06-2025
- Entertainment
- Daily Mirror
Don't miss these gripping TV shows adapted from best-selling books
Some of our favourite novels have been adapted for the small screen. Here are 12 of the best book-to-TV shows to watch out for... TV bosses are taking a novel approach to making shows, with bestsellers being turned into gripping thrillers and captivating dramas. From Game of Thrones to The Handmaid's Tale and Bridgerton, some of our favourite TV shows are based on beloved books. For page-turning new shows, look no further… here we take a look at a dozen of the best book-to-TV adaptations coming soon. A Woman Of Substance, Channel 4 Novel: A Woman Of Substance by Barbara Taylor Bradford Plot: Fresh from hanging up her Vera hat, Brenda Blethyn is now starring as the inimitable Emma Harte, a poor housemaid-turned-mogul, daughter, mother, lover, fighter and 20th century feminist icon who refused to know her place. Jessica Reynolds plays the younger Emma, with other cast including Emmett J Scanlan, Leanne Best, Will Mellor and Lenny Rush. A rags to riches tale based on the 1979 multi-million bestseller that is still searingly relevant. Brenda says: 'As a fan of Barbara Taylor Bradford, it is an unmissable opportunity to play the fierce Emma Harte.' Frankenstein, Netflix Novel: Frankenstein by Mary Shelley Plot: Oscar-winning director Guillermo del Toro adapts this classic tale of scientist Victor Frankenstein, a brilliant but egotistical scientist who creates a monster and brings it to life. Lurching onto screens in November, the monster film stars Oscar Isaac as Victor, Jacob Elordi as Frankenstein's monster and Mia Goth as Elizabeth Lavenza, Victor's fiancee. Watch out also for David Bradley, Charles Dance and Ralph Ineson. Oscar says: 'Playing Frankenstein has been the experience of a lifetime.' Harry Potter, Sky Max Novel: Need you ask? Plot: After an open casting call that sent the nation's parents flying into action, this TV adaptation of novels will star newcomers Dominic McLaughlin as Harry, Arabella Stanton as Hermione and Alastair Stout as Ron. Each series will focus on one of the books, starting with the debut story The Philosopher's Stone. Some big names are lined up including John Lithgow as Dumbledore, Paul Whitehouse as Argus Filch, Katherine Parkinson as Molly Weasley, Nick Frost as Hagrid and Bertie Carvel as Cornelius Fudge. It's bound to be magic. The Thursday Murder Club, Netflix Novel: The Thursday Murder Club by Richard Osman Plot: With an incredible cast, including Pierce Brosnan, Helen Mirren, Ben Kingsley, Celia Imrie, Daniel Mays, David Tennant and Richard E. Grant, this adaptation of the cosy crime thriller has been hugely anticipated. The feature-length whodunit, starting on August 28, follows a group of senior sleuths in a retirement home who gather to solve murders for fun, but find themselves caught up in a real case. Director Chris Columbus teases: 'They are facing their own demise, but are obsessed with studying cold cases. It's comedic but also very emotional.' Lynley, BBC1 Plot: Leo Suter and Sofia Barclay star as the unconventional detective duo DI Tommy Lynley and DS Barbara Havers in this new imagining of the hit crime novels. If it sounds familiar, it's already been on the BBC in the past as The Inspector Lynley Mysteries, but this latest version promises a contemporary update. Lynley is a brilliant detective, but an outsider in the force thanks to his aristocratic upbringing. He's paired with Havers, a working-class sergeant with a maverick attitude. But they make a formidable team, bonded by their desire to see justice done. Also features Daniel Mays and Niamh walsh. Author Elizabeth says: 'Watching my characters brought to life on television is a real celebration.' Murder Before Evensong, 5 Novel: Murder Before Evensong by Rev Richard Coles Plot: This six-parter promises all the hallmarks of cosy crime - small village drama, gossip and secrets and a murder that shakes a community to its core. Canon Daniel Clement (Matthew Lewis) lives in the quaint village of Champton with his widowed mother - opinionated, fearless and annoying Audrey (Amanda Redman). But when Daniel suggests installing a loo in the church, the seemingly innocent plan stirs up trouble - and then a body is found in the church, stabbed in the neck with a pair of secateurs. The cast includes Amit Shah, Meghan Treadway, Tamzin Outhwaite. Waiting For The Out, BBC1 Novel: The Life Inside by Andy West Plot: Based on a memoir, Josh Finan leads the cast as Dan, a philosopher who begins teaching a class of men in prison. He leads discussions about dominance, freedom and luck, topics that ignite passions and create tensions. Through his work, Dan begins to dig deeper into his own past – growing up with a violent father (Gerard Kearns) who ended up in prison, as did his brother Lee (Stephen Wight) and uncle Frank (Phil Daniels). Josh says: 'It's a hugely sensitive, empathic, hilarious and at times deeply emotional story.' Ladies In Black, U Plot: This stylish six-part Australian import is set in the 1960s and follows the lives of women working at a fictional department store in Sydney. At a time of huge social change, they must navigate love, ambition and identity. Miranda Otto, who plays the head of model gowns, Virginia, says: 'I loved the book and thought the TV series was a great chance to take the story further. Also stars Clare Hughes, Debi Mazar, Jessica DeGouw and Azizi Donnelly. Expect glamour, gloss and girdles. The Seven Dials Mystery, Netflix Novel: The Seven Dials Mystery by Agatha Christie Plot: Billed as 'Agatha Christie, for a whole new generation'. It's England, 1925. At a lavish country house party, a practical joke appears to have gone horribly, murderously wrong. It will be up to the unlikeliest of sleuths - the inquisitive Lady Eileen 'Bundle' Brent (Mia Mckenna-Bruce) - to unravel a chilling plot that will change her life, cracking wide open the country house mystery. Mia is joined by top British talent, including Helena Bonham Carter as Lady Caterham and Martin Freeman as Battle. Mia says: 'I am thrilled to be part of this new interpretation.' The Walsh Sisters, BBC1 Novel: Rachel's Holiday and Anybody Out There by Marian Keyes Plot: Irish author Marian's much-loved Walsh family are the focus of this Dublin-set saga, based on two of her books. It follows the lives of sisters Rachel (Caroline Menton), Claire (Danielle Galligan), Maggie (Stefanie Preissner), Helen (Mairead Tyers) and Anna (Louisa Harland) as they navigate their 20s and 30s. A comedy with series topics, expect themes of heartbreak, grief, addiction and parenthood. Marian says: 'I love the scripts, they've really kept the spirit of the books.' Steve, Netflix Plot: Cillian Murphy stars in this intense feature-length drama that is based on a book that 'broke his heart'. He plays a headteacher at a college that aims to reform students, with the story taking place over 24 hours. As he and the students try to stop the school facing closure, Steve also struggles with his mental health. The plot also follows Shy, a troubled teenager who is on a self-destructive path. Cillian says: 'I love films that happen in real time, there's immediately an intense pressure on the characters.' A Knight Of The Seven Kingdoms, Sky Atlantic Novel: A Knight Of The Seven Kingdoms novels by George R.R. Martin Plot: Game of Thrones fans, brace yourselves, the world of Westeros is expanding with this second prequel spin-off. Set 100 years before GoT and 100 years after House of the Dragon, this six-parter tells a gentler tale about Ser Duncan the Tall (Peter Claffey) and his squire Egg (Dexter Sol Ansell). It's a lighter series, but author George teases: 'It's still Westeros, so no one is truly safe.'
Wales Online
03-06-2025
- Business
- Wales Online
Brenda Blethyn unrecognisable as she takes on 'iconic role' in Channel 4 reboot
Brenda Blethyn unrecognisable as she takes on 'iconic role' in Channel 4 reboot Brenda Blethyn has been spotted looking completely different to her Vera character as she takes on a new role in the reboot of A Woman of Substance. Brenda Blethyn is set to surprise fans of Vera as she embarks on a fresh endeavour, taking on a new character that's a stark contrast to her familiar ITV role. At 79-years-old, Brenda is stepping into the shoes of Emma Harte in the revamped version of the 1984 Emmy-nominated drama A Woman of Substance, which will broadcast on Channel 4. The series, adapted from the 1979 novel by the same title, charts the extraordinary journey of Emma Harte, a Yorkshire maid who becomes a powerful businesswoman and establishes a thriving department store empire. Captured on set in photos released by Digital Spy, the esteemed actress appears almost unrecognisable sporting white hair arranged in a vintage 70s style. Clad in a cream coat, Brenda was photographed wearing a silk scarf and rain bonnet, complete with circular sunglasses and a red work bag emblazoned with the initials EH, reports Devon Live. Brenda Blethyn unrecognisable as she takes on 'iconic role' in Channel 4 reboot (Image: Dave) Article continues below In this reimagined adaptation, Brenda takes on the lead role, while Jessica Reynolds portrays the younger Emma Harte. The original series featured Deborah Kerr and Jenny Seagrove in these roles back in 1984. The show's synopsis describes the plot as follows: "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." The actress has ditched the raincoat and detective hat (Image: ITV ) Brenda expressed her delight at stepping into the role, saying: "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 shared her enthusiasm as well, remarking: "To be a part of A Woman of Substance and to step into the shoes of Emma is an absolute dream for me." She continued, highlighting the team's talent: "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." A Woman of Substance is currently in production (Image: Mike Marsland/WireImage ) The Channel 4 series will also feature actors Emmett J Scanlan, Lydia Leonard, Sophie Bould, Leanne Best, and Will Mellor. Rebecca Holdsworth, Channel 4's commissioning editor for drama, praised the project, stating: "Attracting an ensemble cast of this quality is testament to Katherine and Roanne's exceptional scripts." Article continues below She further added: "We are so excited to be bringing this fresh, sexy and bold adaptation of an iconic book to Channel 4." The broadcast date for A Woman of Substance on Channel 4 has yet to be announced.
Daily Mirror
03-06-2025
- Entertainment
- Daily Mirror
Vera's Brenda Blethyn transforms for new role as she leaves iconic look behind
Vera star Brenda Blethyn is set to appear in a brand new TV series - and she looks a world away from the ITV character in the first look at the show. 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.
Daily Mirror
29-04-2025
- Entertainment
- Daily Mirror
Brenda Blethyn lands major new role in eight-part series after quitting Vera
Actress to take the lead in reworking of iconic novel, 40 years after it was Channel 4's biggest ever drama When Brenda Blethyn quit ITV's Vera after 14 years she insisted she was not retiring - now the actress has signed up to play the 'fierce' lead in A Woman of Substance. Brenda, 79, will take the lead in an eight-part adaptation of Barbara Taylor Bradford 's iconic novel for Channel 4 alongside Jessica Reynolds, who plays the younger version of main character Emma Harte. The revenge romp drama previously aired on Channel 4 40 years ago, starring Deborah Kerr, and became the station's biggest ever drama, also winning an Emmy nomination. Set in 1911, the story follows impoverished but ambitious Yorkshire maid Emma as she embarks on a dizzying journey to become the world 's richest woman. The character is also a daughter, mother, lover and fighter who refused to know her 'place', becoming a 20 th century feminist icon. On accepting the major new challenge, Brenda said: 'I'm overjoyed to be taking on this iconic role, in the footsteps of the great Deborah Kerr. As a fan of Barbara Taylor-Bradford, it is an unmissable opportunity to play the fierce Emma Harte.' Filming has kicked off in Yorkshire with the cast also including Emmett J Scanlan, Will Mellor as Adam Fairley, Lydia Leonard as Olivia Wainwright and Leanne Best as Adele Fairley, The rags-to-riches tale shows Emma defying the lowly expectations that society has thrust upon her, leading her to fearlessly challenge the roles she's given, smashing glass ceilings along the way. Jessica, whose previous roles include Kneecap & the Wolf and The Fox & The Leopard, said the role was an 'absolute dream' adding: '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.' Channel 4 drama commissioning editor Rebecca Holdswoth said the 'exceptional' scripts, from Katherine Takeaways and Roanne Bardsley would produce a 'fresh, sexy and bold adaptation of an iconic book'. After bowing out as Vera, Brenda told how she wanted to reclaim her summers and said: 'On the last day I felt very emotional. It's her packing up her stuff and backing out of the office and I could have cried to be honest. It's so bittersweet because I've loved every minute of this job.' The last ever scene of series 14, which aired in January based on Ann Cleeves' 11th novel The Dark Wives, saw Vera walking across a beach with a smile on her face. A Woman of Substance is due to air on Channel 4 next year.
Daily Mail
28-04-2025
- Entertainment
- Daily Mail
Brenda Blethyn bags first new TV role since emotional Vera exit - and it's worlds away from the ITV detective hit
Vera star Brenda Blethyn has been announced as the leading actress in Channel 4 's new adaptation of A Woman Of Substance. The 1979 novel, written by Barbara Taylor Bradford, follows the iconic Emma Harte, an impoverished yet ambitious housemaid living in 1911 Yorkshire. Harte embarks on a dizzying journey from survival to success as she shatters the glass ceilings of 20th-century society, becoming a formidable business mogul and later, the world's richest woman. The protagonist's story continues through to her modern life, as she navigates the trials and tribulations of her business empire, facing threats from the most unexpected of places along the way. A Woman Of Substance marked the outset of the Emma Harte saga for its author, Bradford, and went on to become sensational, selling more than 30 million copies worldwide. In 1984, the original TV adaptation of the book, starring Deborah Kerr and Jenny Seagrove gained a huge amount of traction for Channel 4. The 1979 novel, written by Barbara Taylor Bradford, follows the iconic Emma Harte, an impoverished yet ambitious housemaid living in 1911 Yorkshire Its finale on January 4th, 1985, boasted 13.8 million viewers, which remains the channel's highest ever audience to this day. 'I'm overjoyed to be taking on this iconic role, in the footsteps of the great Deborah Kerr.' Says Blethyn, 'As a fan of Barbara Taylor-Bradford, it is an unmissable opportunity to play the fierce Emma Harte.' Blethyn will take on the role of Harte alongside her co-star Jessica Reynolds, who will play the younger version of the tenacious protagonist. 'The team and cast we have behind this are truly inspiring,' says Reynolds. 'I'm so excited to bring the stunning scripts and this great piece of literature to the screen.' Channel 4 commissioning editor, Rebecca Holdsworth, highlights that the new adaptation will be a 'fresh, sexy and bold' take on the source material. The rags-to-riches period drama will prove a stark contrast to Brenda Blethyn's 14-year portrayal of the titular role in Vera- a gritty, enthralling crime drama with a Newcastle backdrop. The four-time National Television Award-nominated series came to a close earlier this year, after the Oscar-nominated actress hung up her infamous trench coat and hat to bid farewell to Northumberland with one last season. The last time we saw Blethyn on our screens, Vera was walking away on a beach, assured and ready for retirement in an emotive and well-rounded finale. Earlier this year, Brenda Blethyn was presented with an Outstanding Contribution Award at the 2025 TV Choice Awards The woman behind the character, however, is eager for a new challenge. Earlier this year, Brenda Blethyn was presented with an Outstanding Contribution Award at the 2025 TV Choice Awards. It was in recognition of ITV detective series Vera, in which she played DCI Vera Stanhope before quitting last year after 14 series. Chosen to present the gong was Brenda's Secrets and Lies co-star and fellow BAFTA winner Timothy Spall, 67.
