entertainment

March 10, 2026

'It’s a big saga with big hair': the bonkbuster remake of one of the biggest TV dramas ever

The raunchy 80s adaptation of smash hit novel A Woman of Substance drew the highest ratings Channel 4 has ever seen. As the broadcaster goes there again, the cast and creators talk feminism, revenge – and sex caves

'It’s a big saga with big hair': the bonkbuster remake of one of the biggest TV dramas ever

TL;DR

  • The new adaptation of 'A Woman of Substance' highlights unusual filming locations for intimate scenes, such as a 'sex cave' and a 'love shack'.
  • The show aims to be 'not afraid of sex' and has utilized an intimacy coordinator to create believable romance between the young Emma and her aristocratic lover.
  • The series explores Emma Harte's rags-to-riches journey, her pursuit of revenge against those who wronged her family, and her rise to become the world's wealthiest woman.
  • Creators emphasize the story as an 'original female empowerment story' and a feminist icon, highlighting social mobility and women breaking glass ceilings.
  • The casting of Jessica Reynolds and Brenda Blethyn as different ages of Emma Harte is noted for their remarkable resemblance, aiding continuity.
  • The remake is seen as a risk due to the immense success of the original 1985 miniseries but aims to acknowledge societal changes while staying true to the epic melodrama.

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