A Woman of Substance
A rags-to-riches tale of ambition, power, and revenge.
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.
Cast
Jessica Reynolds
Young Emma Harte
Brenda Blethyn
Older Emma Harle
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
Seasons
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.
E1Episode 1
Mar 11, 2026
Set in early 1900s Yorkshire, ambitious maid Emma Harte is torn between her dreams of a better life and a forbidden romance with Edwin Fairley. Meanwhile, in 1970s New York, a plot threatens the empire she's built.
E2Episode 2
Mar 12, 2026
As young Emma and Edwin fall deeper in love, Emma struggles to picture their future together. Adam and Olivia embark on an affair. And in the 1970s, Emma reckons with her children’s plan to oust her.
E3Episode 3
Mar 18, 2026
When Mac announces that he's leaving Fairley, Emma has an opportunity to escape too... but can she leave Edwin? Meanwhile, Adele’s sobriety re-ignites her marriage with Adam.
E4Episode 4
Mar 19, 2026
A heavily pregnant Emma starts a new life in Armley, while Edwin’s fiancée Priya begins to ask questions. In the 1970s, Emma confronts Edwina and discovers Paula’s secret romance.
E5Episode 5
Mar 25, 2026
Emma's tempted by romance for the first time since Edwin. But love has let her down before... A sober Adele threatens everything for Adam and Olivia. And Paula faces an impossible choice.
E6Episode 6
Mar 26, 2026
Emma prepares the perfect Christmas for her family, but her obsession with work and revenge brings danger to her door. In the 1970s, as Emma recovers, an oblivious Paula doubles down on her romance.
E7Episode 7
Apr 1, 2026
Britain is at war. To stay afloat, Emma takes a huge gamble that could cost her far more than her business...
E8Episode 8
Apr 2, 2026
As the war rages on, young Emma fights to keep her empire afloat. Is an unlikely alliance her only lifeline? And Emma returns home to Yorkshire for her 80th birthday, armed with a cunning plan.
Videos
Storyline
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.
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