Channel 4, in partnership with The Barbara Taylor Bradford Trust and HM Treasury, hosted a special reception at No.11 Downing Street yesterday (Wednesday 1 April 2026) to celebrate the new Channel 4 adaptation of A Woman of Substance, and to champion women across television, the creative industries, business and public life, following International Women’s Day.
A Woman of Substance is the brand-new eight-part drama for Channel 4, reimagining Barbara Taylor Bradford OBE’s classic rags-to-riches story for a contemporary audience. First adapted by Channel 4 more than 40 years ago – when it became the Channel’s biggest ever drama and received two Emmy nominations – the new series, set and filmed in Yorkshire, follows Emma Harte, an ambitious housemaid in Yorkshire in 1911 whose extraordinary drive propels her from poverty to becoming one of the most powerful women in the world.
Hosted by the Chancellor of the Exchequer, the event honoured Barbara Taylor Bradford OBE, the Leeds-born author whose international bestselling novels have earned her a place among the most influential British writers of the 20th and 21st centuries. It also recognised the creative vision behind bringing this iconic story to the screen, while reflecting on the themes of ambition, determination and enterprise at the heart of A Woman of Substance — themes that continue to resonate strongly with audiences today.
The reception also brought together women from across television and the wider creative industries, recognising the talent, leadership and breadth of experience represented the UK’s creative industries. Women make up close to half of the UK workforce, but are consistently under‑represented in senior leadership across the creative and cultural industries, highlighting the importance of diversity and representation both on and off screen, and the role organisations such as Channel 4 play in championing inclusive storytelling, nurturing creative talent and ensuring the UK’s creative industries reflect the audiences they serve.
Chancellor of the Exchequer Rachel Reeves said:
“Women are driving the global success of Britain’s creative industries – in studios, on stage, and in business.
As the first female Chancellor I am committed to backing that talent, breaking down barriers to opportunity and ensuring the sector continues to create good jobs and deliver for working people across the country.”
Priya Dogra, Chief Executive of Channel 4, said:
Channel 4 exists to tell stories that challenge, represent and reflect the whole of the UK. A Woman of Substance, based on the iconic novel by Barbara Taylor Bradford, brings that mission to life – a distinctive British drama, rooted in Yorkshire and resonating with audiences across the country. We’re delighted to see it recognised at this reception.
H.E. Vicki Downey, Trustee of The Barbara Taylor Bradford Trust, said:
“We are honoured to see A Woman of Substance recognised in such a distinguished setting. Barbara Taylor Bradford’s writing has always championed the strength, ambition and determination of women forging their own path, themes that remain as relevant today as ever. As a proud Yorkshirewoman, Barbara would have been especially pleased to see this celebration hosted by the UK’s first female Chancellor, Rachel Reeves, MP for Leeds West, where Barbara spent her formative years. The Trust is delighted to see her work recognised in a way that continues to inspire and resonate with readers and audiences alike.”
