LIPA grad Jessica Reynolds to star in new Channel Four drama

Acting graduate Jessica Reynolds (2019) is to star in Channel 4’s new adaptation of A Woman of Substance.

Jessica will play the part of a young Emma Harte while Brenda Blethyn will portray an older version of the lead character.

This is Channel 4’s second adaptation of Barbara Taylor Bradford’s novel. The first, produced in 1984, starred Jenny Seagrove and Deborah Kerr as Emma Harte, and was the channel’s biggest ever drama.

Jessica says: “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.”

Jessica, first left, in Second Person Narrative at LIPA in 2018. Image: AndrewAB Photography.

Jessica’s TV credits include Derry Girls (Channel 4), Outlander (Starz) and My Left Nut (BBC). The cast includes another LIPA graduate, Leane Best (2002), among her recent credits, This City is Ours (BBC), The Bay (ITV) and Ted Lasso (Apple TV+).

Filming of the eight-part drama is underway in Yorkshire.

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Top image: headshot photo by Chris Proctor.