Film crews spotted for Woman of Substance remake

Crews filming a TV series based on Barbara Taylor Bradford's A Woman of Substance have been spotted across Yorkshire.

The new eight-part remake comes 40 years after a 1985 adaptation became the most-watched programme in Channel 4's history.

Production teams have recently been seen recording at Barnsley Town Hall, Ilkley Moor and Brodsworth Hall and Gardens near Doncaster.

Taylor Bradford's 1979 novel has sold 30 million copies, with a memorial service to the novelist held in London on Thursday.

Brenda Blethyn, Jessica Reynolds, Lenny Rush and Will Mellor star in the latest adaptation, with the series written by Katherine Jakeways and Roanne Bardsley.

Lisa Brambani saw a "mass of caravans and cars" on Ilkley Moor while out for a morning run in May.

"As I approached I was asked to wait a few minutes as they were shooting a scene up on the rocks," she said.

"I have never seen the film but I remember reading the book."

She added: "I have always been a fan of Barbara Taylor Bradford, her being a Yorkshire lass."

A Woman of Substance follows the life of Emma Harte, a business woman who works her way up from poverty in Leeds to riches in New York.

Barnsley councillor Robin Franklin said he hoped the filming would showcase the town's "amazing buildings and heritage".

"We're really pleased to welcome the production company to Barnsley Town Hall," he said.

"It's another great opportunity to put Barnsley on the national stage."

According to the Local Democracy Service, film crews arrived in Barnsley at the start of June and recently completed recording the scenes.

The 1985 series was also filmed in Yorkshire and featured locations including Brimham Rocks and Yorkshire Dales villages Aysgarth and Middleham.

Taylor Bradford was born in Armley, Leeds, and died aged 91 in November.

The memorial service for Taylor Bradford took place at St Bride's Church in Fleet Street, with attendees including barrister Cherie Blair, TV presenter Fern Britton and journalist Eve Pollard.

Jakeways said it was an "incredible thrill" to bring back the "inspirational" TV series.

"I was a child in the 1980s, when A Woman of Substance was on every bookstand, every glass-topped coffee table and hidden, well-thumbed, under every pillow.

"The original Channel 4 adaptation was packed full of rolling Yorkshire hills, hairspray, shoulder pads and heaving bosoms and I desperately wanted in."

The new series is produced by The Forge Entertainment and will air on Channel 4 next year.

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