Bodices are ripped like they’re going out of fashion in Channel 4’s new adaptation of Barbara Taylor Bradford’s bestselling bonkfest, A Woman of Substance (Channel 4, Wednesday). There hasn’t been so much exposed flesh since a heatwave at Bray seafront in May. A Woman of Substance was adapted as a TV series in 1984, where the part of Emma’s Irish best friend and protector was played by a young Liam Neeson. Back then, the character went by “Blackie”; today, he is “Mac” and is portrayed in broad fashion by Belfast actor Niall Wright. But the Irish cast member who truly steals the show is Scanlan.

Source: The Irish Times March 13, 2026 09:05 UTC