OUTLANDER STAR TAKES LEADING ROLE IN ADAPTATION OF BESTSELLING NOVEL AND FANS 'CAN'T WAIT'

Outlander star Jessica Reynolds is set to take on the leading role in a highly anticipated new Channel 4 drama and fans "can't wait."

The actress, 27, will play the younger version of character Emma Harte in the upcoming adaptation of Barbara Taylor Bradford's classic novel, A Woman of Substance.

Jessica, who is best known for her roles in Derry Girls and Outlander, will star alongside Vera actress Brenda Blethyn as they play two versions of the lead character in different time periods.

Fans don't have long to wait as the show will premiere with its first two episodes on Wednesday 11 and Thursday 12 March at 9pm on Channel 4.

The eight-part show, which is a remake of another Channel 4 adaptation released 40 years ago, tells the story of Emma Harte, a housemaid turned mogul, daughter, mother, lover, fighter, and 20th-century feminist icon who refused to know her 'place', according to the synopsis.

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The synopsis reads: "1911. 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."

Fans have wasted no time sharing their reaction on social media to Jessica landing the new role as one wrote: "Can't wait." Another commented: "Oh my goodness! How exciting." A third said: "An incredible actress."

Another said: "Remember the original waaaaay back, looking forward to this immensely." One wrote: "Exciting, they are lucky to have you."

One echoed: "There she is, amazing." Another praised: "Ah Jess I'm buzzing for yaaaaaa." Meanwhile another added: "Love this book so can't wait to see the modern version of this. I loved the original series too."

A trailer for the series was previously released, showing Blethyn's version of Emma in New York, where she's desperate for exact revenge.

The footage then takes viewers back to the younger version of the character (played by Jessica), who's working in a grand house and warned to be careful of her "ambition".

A Woman of Substance will premiere on Wednesday 11 and Thursday 12 March at 9pm on Channel 4.

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2026-03-04T11:04:42Z