A Woman of Substance

A rags-to-riches tale of ambition, power, and revenge.

7.920261 season

Drama

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.

Where to Watch

Foxtel Now

BritBox

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BINGE

Britbox Apple TV channel

NPO Plus

Cast

Jessica Reynolds

Young Emma Harte

Brenda Blethyn

Older Emma Harte

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

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Episodes

Season 1 — 0 / 8 watched

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Episode 1

2026-03-11 · 47m

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.

Episode 2

2026-03-12 · 47m

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.

Episode 3

2026-03-18 · 46m

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.

Episode 4

2026-03-19 · 48m

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.

Episode 5

2026-03-25 · 47m

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.

Episode 6

2026-03-26 · 47m

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.

Episode 7

2026-04-01 · 47m

Britain is at war. To stay afloat, Emma takes a huge gamble that could cost her far more than her business...

Episode 8

2026-04-02 · 47m

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.