Channel 4 announces remake of 'A Woman of Substance'
What's the story
Channel 4 has officially announced a remake of its most successful drama, A Woman of Substance.
The original series, which aired four decades ago, attracted an impressive 14 million viewers and still holds the record as Channel 4's most-watched drama.
The reboot follows closely after the recent demise of Barbara Taylor Bradford, author of the novel that inspired the series.
Production insights
'A Woman of Substance' remake details unveiled
Katherine Jakeways and Roanne Bardsley, known for The Buccaneers, will pen the remake of A Woman of Substance.
The series tells the story of Emma Harte, a Yorkshire maid who climbs the ranks to become one of the world's wealthiest women.
The new version is being produced by The Forge, which is backed by Banijay, with former Channel 4 drama head Beth Willis as executive producer.
Upcoming projects
Channel 4's drama slate features new adaptations and sequels
Ollie Madden, Channel 4's new head of TV drama and film, aims to approve nearly one TV drama per month.
His strategy is backed by a doubled drama budget for this year.
Among the newly announced projects are a TV adaptation of Caroline O'Donoghue's novel The Rachel Incident and a second season of Peter Kosminsky's The Undeclared War.
Fresh content
Channel 4's new commissions include 'Maya' and 'Falling'
Madden has also commissioned Maya, a project from Back to Life creator Daisy Haggard. The show provides a funny take on the UK's witness protection program and a mother's resolve to protect her child.
Another addition to the slate is Falling, written by Jack Thorne, which tells a love story between a nun and a Catholic priest.
Official statement
Madden expressed pride in Channel 4's new drama commissions
Madden said he was excited about the new commissions.
"Our commitment at Channel 4 drama is to make shows which offer a tangible point of difference, shine a light on British society in a thought-provoking and fresh way, and yet are uncompromising in their ambition to entertain," he said in a statement.
"I'm proud to announce this eclectic range of new commissions that embody that ethos, and we're confident our audiences will love it."