Brenda Blethyn, 80, reveals lifelong struggle with imposter syndrome – and what cured it

Brenda Blethyn has achieved national treasure status thanks to her acclaimed TV and film career, having won a Golden Globe, BAFTA Award and two Oscar nominations over five decades. But despite her huge success, the Olivier nominated star has suffered from imposter syndrome for most of her life.

Speaking at the London launch of Channel 4’s upcoming adaptation of Barbara Taylor Bradford OBE’s 1979 novel, A Woman of Substance, the 80-year-old actor revealed how she has overcome the feeling with age and success. 

When asked to share the best thing about being in the ‘second act’ of her life, Brenda told HELLO! and other press: “I’ve suffered most of my life from imposter syndrome. That’s leaving me. I haven’t got that quite so much anymore.”

Revealing the advice shared with her by her parents, Louisa, a scullery maid, and William, a chauffeur, Brenda continued: “We were very poor growing up, but my mum and dad always used to say ‘You’re as good as anybody else, and if you work hard, you can achieve it’.

“I’ve been successful, so I’m not struggling as I was when I was a younger actor,” she added.

What is A Woman of Substance about? 

The new Channel 4 series is an eight-part adaptation of Barbara Taylor Bradford’s iconic novel, which tells the rags-to-riches tale of Emma Harte, a maid living in 20th century Yorkshire who rises to become the richest woman in the world. 

© Channel 4/The Forge/Sam Taylor

Brenda portrays the older version of Emma, while House of Guinness star Jessica Reynolds plays young Emma. 

The series comes 40 years after Channel 4’s original adaptation of the book, which aired in 1985 and starred Jenny Seagrove and Deborah Kerr.

The synopsis reads: “1911. Emma Harte, an impoverished ambitious maid in Yorkshire, England goes on a dizzying journey to become the world’s richest woman, gazing down from a sprawling luxury New York penthouse

© Channel 4/The Forge/Sam Taylor

“A rags-to-riches tale of women through the 20th century, Emma defies the expectations of her society, fearlessly challenging the roles she’s given, smashing glass ceilings, and never, ever deviating from her masterplan: Get to the top. Whatever it takes.”

What has Brenda said about the show? 

Emma’s journey to success is one that Brenda can relate to. Speaking to HELLO! in an exclusive interview, the actress said, “We had a rather Victorian upbringing. You’re taught that if you want anything, you’ve got to work for it. Nothing’s gonna be handed to you on a plate, especially if you’re working class.”

© Channel 4/The Forge/Sam Taylor

The actress continued: “I could understand Emma’s struggle, and how important it was just to get a couple more shillings a week,” adding: “My mum had three jobs to make ends meet.”

A Woman of Substance will premiere with its first two episodes on Wednesday 11 and Thursday 12 March at 9pm on Channel 4.