Brenda Blethyn looked unrecognisable as she ditched  her iconic Vera look and transformed on the set of her new TV show. 

The actress, 79, is best known for playing Detective Chief Inspector Vera Stanhope on the ITV crime drama, which she starred in from 2011 until earlier this year.

She is now set to take on the starring role in the eight-part reboot of 1984 series A Woman Of Substance for Channel 4, with an exact release date to be determined. 

Based on the classic 1979 novel by Barbara Taylor Bradford, it follows Emma Harte, who transforms from a Yorkshire servant girl into a department store business mogul. 

Taking over from Scottish actress Deborah Kerr, who played Emma in the 1984 version, Brenda has ditched her classic dark crop of hair as Vera for a bold new look. 

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The actress, 79, is best known for playing Detective Chief Inspector Vera Stanhope on the ITV crime drama (pictured), which she starred in from 2011 until earlier this year

But for her latest gig A Woman Of Substance, Brenda has ditched her classic dark crop of hair as Vera for a bold new look

Images from the set (pictured) show her sporting a new, bright white hair colour

Images from the set show her sporting a new, bright white hair colour. 

It looks elegantly coiffed, swept up into a 70s-inspired updo to fit the era of the later parts of the show’s timeline. 

She pairs the neat curls with a white coat, silk scarf, clear rain bonnet, large square glᴀsses and a big burgundy handbag, bearing her character’s monogrammed initials. 

Brenda will play the older version of Emma, as she comes into her own as an entrepreneur. 

Irish actress Jessica Reynolds, meanwhile, is known for her turns in Outlander and the film Kneecap, will portray Emma in her younger years, in the early 20th century. 

She takes over from Jenny Seagrove, who played the younger version of Emma in the original 1984 series. 

The original cast also featured Liam Neeson, as Emma’s friend and fellow servant Blackie O’Neill, and Miranda Richardson as her granddaughter Paula.

Brenda was delighted to be part of rebooting the iconic, Emmy-nominated project: ‘I’m overjoyed to be taking on this iconic role, in the footsteps of the great Deborah Kerr. 

Brenda (pictured as Vera earlier this year) was delighted to be part of rebooting the iconic, Emmy-nominated project: ‘I’m overjoyed to be taking on this iconic role, in the footsteps of the great Deborah Kerr’

She added: ‘As a fan of Barbara Taylor Bradford, it is an unmissable opportunity to play the fierce Emma Harte’. Pictured: Brenda at the National Television Awards last year 

Irish actress Jessica Reynolds (pictured, at the Outlander series six premiere in 2022), meanwhile, known for her turns in Outlander and the film Kneecap, will portray Emma in her younger years, in the early 20th century

She takes over from Jenny Seagrove, who played the younger version of Emma in the original 1984 series (pictured)

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‘As a fan of Barbara Taylor Bradford, it is an unmissable opportunity to play the fierce Emma Harte.’ 

Her co-star Jessica echoed her enthusiasm: ‘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.’   

Joining them are stars including Will Mellor (Two Pints Of Lager And A Packet Of Crisps), Emmett J Scanlan (Brendan Brady in Hollyoaks) and Lydia Leonard (Cherie Blair in The Crown). 

The new show comes after a run of success for Channel 4, with its show Virgin Island gripping the nation – and set to return for a second series. 

The programme sent 12 virgins, aged between 22 and 30, to an island off Croatia in a bid to learn how to have Sєxual relationships. 

With expert coaching from therapists and intimacy experts, the final episode last week saw participant Dave lose his virginity in dramatic scenes that left fans floored.

And now The Sun has revealed the series will return for a second season.

The new show comes after a run of success for Channel 4, with its show Virgin Island (pictured) gripping the nation – and set to return for a second series 

The programme sent 12 virgins, aged between 22 and 30, to an island off Croatia in a bid to learn how to have Sєxual relationships 

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In fact, Channel 4 has already begun casting for a new set of virgins ready to work towards Sєxual intimacy with the help of Sєxperts Danielle Harel and Celeste Hirschman.

Since its release on May 12, the show has become the channel’s most streamed new format since 2023, proving most popular with the 16-34 age group.

A source told the publication: ‘Virgin Island had a big buzz about it as something which really pushed the boundaries.

‘In a market filled with somewhat predictable dating shows, it broke the mould and still had that Channel 4 experimental heart to it.

‘So everyone was thrilled when the ratings seemed to back the broadcaster’s punt. It felt like a no-brainer to consider a second series.’

Mailonline has contacted Channel 4 representatives for comment about Virgin Island’s return.

A Woman Of Substance will be available to watch on Channel 4.