Mr Selfridge

Mr Selfridge
Genre Drama
Created by Andrew Davies
Based on Shopping, Seduction & Mr Selfridge
by Lindy Woodhead
Starring Jeremy Piven
Frances O'Connor
Katherine Kelly
Tom Goodman-Hill
Gregory Fitoussi
Aisling Loftus
Trystan Gravelle
Amanda Abbington
Composer(s) Charlie Mole
Country of origin United Kingdom
Original language(s) English
No. of series 3
No. of episodes 30 (list of episodes)
Production
Executive producer(s) Kate Lewis
Andrew Davies
Rebecca Eaton
Producer(s) Chrissy Skins
Running time Episode 1: 63 minutes
Episodes 2–: 44–46 minutes
Production company(s) ITV Studios
Masterpiece
Distributor ITV Studios Global Entertainment
Broadcast
Original channel ITV
Original run 6 January 2013 – present

Mr Selfridge is a British period television drama series about Harry Gordon Selfridge and his department store, Selfridge & Co, in London, set in the 1910s. It is co-produced by ITV Studios and Masterpiece/WGBH[1] for broadcast on ITV. The series began broadcasting on ITV on 6 January 2013 and 30 March 2013 on PBS in the United States.

Development and production

It was announced on 24 May 2011 that ITV was in discussions with ITV Studios about developing an adaptation of Lindy Woodhead's biography Shopping, Seduction & Mr Selfridge.[2] Andrew Davies was confirmed to be working on the script.[2] Beginning in London in 1908, during a time period when women were enjoying an ever increasing amount of freedom, it tells the story of Harry Gordon Selfridge, the founder of Selfridges department store and includes members of his family, particularly his wife Rose Selfridge.

It was originally planned to be screened in 2012. However, it is claimed that ITV was forced to push back airing the drama due to rival BBC airing a similarly themed drama series The Paradise.[3]

A set to the north of London was built to house a replica of the 1909 Selfridge's store interior. The exterior of the store was recreated in The Historic Dockyard Chatham, in Kent. The disused Aldwych tube station was used to film Rose Selfridge travelling on the London Underground and scenes in the first episode featuring Victor Colleano, Agnes Towler and her brother George.

On 8 February 2013, ITV announced Mr Selfridge had been commissioned for a second series of ten episodes, to start on 19 January 2014.[4] Anthony Byrne, who directed three episodes of series one, returned to direct some of the new episodes.[5] On 22 July 2013, PBS also purchased a second series that aired in 2014 as part of its Masterpiece Classic.[6] The second series is set in 1914 and portrays the consequence of World War I to the store and staff. On 21 February 2014, it was announced that Mr. Selfridge had been renewed for a third series, to air in 2015.[7] On 13 March 2015, ITV announced Mr Selfridge had been commissioned for new 10-part fourth series.[8]

Casting

An American casting director was employed to find an actor suitable to play Harry Selfridge.[9] Jeremy Piven's agent informed him of the role. Producer Chrissy Skinns and director Jon Jones met Piven in Los Angeles and were impressed by his understanding of the character.[9] Executive producer Kate Lewis was "thrilled to attract" Frances O'Connor to the role of Rose Selfridge because she had long been a fan of the actress.[10] Former Coronation Street actress Katherine Kelly signed up to play Lady Mae Loxley and returned for Series 2. The casting of the trio was announced in March 2012 alongside Grégory Fitoussi (Henri Leclair), Aisling Loftus (Agnes Towler), Zoe Tapper (Ellen Love) and Trystan Gravelle (Victor Colleano).[11]

Cast and characters

Actor Character Duration
Piven, JeremyJeremy Piven Selfridge, HarryHarry Selfridge 2013–
O'Connor, FrancesFrances O'Connor Selfridge, RoseRose Selfridge 2013–2014
Loftus, AislingAisling Loftus Towler/Leclair, AgnesAgnes Towler/Leclair 2013–2015
Tapper, ZoeZoe Tapper Love, EllenEllen Love 2013
Goodman-Hill, TomTom Goodman-Hill Grove, RogerRoger Grove 2013–
Abbington, AmandaAmanda Abbington Mardle, JosieJosie Mardle 2013–
Markham, KikaKika Markham Selfridge, LoisLois Selfridge 2013–
Kelly, KatherineKatherine Kelly Loxley, Lady MaeLady Mae Loxley 2013–2014, 2016-
Cook, RonRon Cook Crabb, ArthurArthur Crabb 2013–
Fitoussi, GrégoryGrégory Fitoussi Leclair, HenriHenri Leclair 2013–2015
Gravelle, TrystanTrystan Gravelle Colleano, VictorVictor Colleano 2013–
West, SamuelSamuel West Edwards, FrankFrank Edwards 2013–
Hayes, Amy BethAmy Beth Hayes Hawkins/Edwards, KittyKitty Hawkins/Edwards 2013–
Crace, LaurenLauren Crace Miller/Grove, DorisDoris Miller/Grove 2013–2015
Cornelius, DeborahDeborah Cornelius Blenkinsop, MissMiss Blenkinsop 2013–
Watson, TimothyTimothy Watson Perez, MrMr Perez 2013
Haywood, PippaPippa Haywood Bunting, MissMiss Bunting 2013
Madeley, AnnaAnna Madeley Ravillious, MissMiss Ravillious 2013
Callaghan, CalumCalum Callaghan Towler, GeorgeGeorge Towler 2013–
Moran, NickNick Moran Towler, RegReg Towler 2013
Jackson-Cohen, OliverOliver Jackson-Cohen Temple, Roderick (Roddy)Roderick (Roddy) Temple 2013
Wilson, AdamAdam Wilson
Austin, GregGreg Austin 		Selfridge, GordonGordon Selfridge 2013
2014-
Lee Friar, PoppyPoppy Lee Friar
Tointon, KaraKara Tointon 		Selfridge/Bolotoff, RosalieRosalie Selfridge/Bolotoff 2013–2014
2015-
Cassidy, RaffeyRaffey Cassidy
Boden, AlanaAlana Boden 		Selfridge, BeatriceBeatrice Selfridge 2013
2014-
Wilson, FreyaFreya Wilson
Brady, MillieMillie Brady
Tointon, HannahHannah Tointon 		Selfridge, VioletteViolette Selfridge 2013
2014
2015-
Payne, WillWill Payne Travers, TonyTony Travers 2013
Rennie, MalcolmMalcolm Rennie , FraserFraser 2013–
McArdle, AidanAidan McArdle , Lord LoxleyLord Loxley 2014–
MacAninch, CalCal MacAninch , Mr ThackerayMr Thackeray 2014–2015
Walker, PollyPolly Walker , Delphine DayDelphine Day 2014
Shimmin, SadieSadie Shimmin , Miss PlunkettMiss Plunkett 2014–
Teale, SeanSean Teale Colleano, FrancoFranco Colleano 2014–
Farnworth, OliverOliver Farnworth DuPont, FlorianFlorian DuPont 2014
Amy Morgan Calthorpe, GraceGrace Calthorpe 2014–
Adams, KellyKelly Adams Webb, NancyNancy Webb 2015–
Parkinson, SachaSacha Parkinson Hawkins, ConnieConnie Hawkins 2015–
Wanamaker, ZoeZoe Wanamaker Marie, PrincessPrincess Marie 2015–
Ockenden, LeonLeon Ockenden De Bolotoff, SergeSerge De Bolotoff 2015–
Ryan, NaomiNaomi Ryan , ElsaElsa 2015–

[10]

Series overview

Series Episodes Originally aired Average rating
(millions)
Series premiere Series finale
1 10 6 January 2013 10 March 2013 7.99
2 10 19 January 2014 23 March 2014 5.45
3 10 25 January 2015 29 March 2015 TBA

Episodes

Series 1 (2013)

(1908-1910)

No. in
series		 Title Directed by Written by Original air date Viewers (in millions)
UK viewers by BARB; figures include ITV HD and ITV +1 broadcasts
1"Episode 1"Jon JonesAndrew Davies6 January 20139.36 [nb 1]
March 1908- March 1909 Flamboyant Harry Selfridge, after transforming Chicago's Marshall Field's into a modern department store, realises London needs a similar one. He decides to build the biggest and finest department store in the world at the "dead end" of Oxford Street, but his business partner pulls out of the project. Via a pressman he receives help from socialite Lady Mae Loxley and her contacts, one of whom invests. With his wife, four children and his mother arriving in London, Selfridge begins to assemble his staff as the building is completed in record time. Months after inadvertently getting Agnes Towler fired from Gamage's for "conduct unbecoming" (she let him behind the counter while he was looking to purchase a pair of gloves), he hires her for Selfridge's.
2"Episode 2"Jon JonesAndrew Davies13 January 20138.95 [nb 2]
An initial lack of customers forces Harry Selfridge to think of ways of attracting people to his new London department store. He persuades the first man to fly across the English Channel, French aviator Louis Blériot, to make a personal appearance along with the aircraft in which he made his historic flight. Meanwhile, Harry's infatuation with music-hall artiste Ellen Love results in their being caught in a compromising situation. His marriage comes under threat when Rose agrees to pose for young bohemian artist Roddy Temple. Agnes gets her brother George a job as a porter and abusive father Reg foists himself on them. Victor Colleano is propositioned by a well-to-do customer in the store's restaurant.
3"Episode 3"John StricklandKate Brooke20 January 20137.60 [nb 3]
Harry installs Ellen Love in an apartment. Watching her apply make-up, he decides to open a new cosmetics department at the front of the store, not hidden away, and tasks Henri Leclair to create a house perfume. Agnes – sporting a black eye from her violent father – is asked to assist in creating a perfume for ordinary women. Lady Mae helps Rosalie, Harry's eldest daughter, enter society and applies pressure on Harry over his personal affairs. Rose Selfridge learns of the apartment from Lady Mae.
4"Episode 4"John StricklandKate O'Riordan27 January 20137.73 [nb 4]
Miss Bunting is sacked for theft and Miss Ravillious is appointed the new head of fashion, ruffling a few feathers. Selfridge takes his wife and eldest daughter to see iconic dancer Anna Pavlova; she is invited to visit his store for a publicity event, and to take tea with his wife. Ellen Love, feeling neglected, arrives during the event and tries to share the limelight with Pavlova but is made to leave. Agnes' drunken father makes a scene at the event. Roddy and his bohemian friends delay Rose Selfridge with the result that she misses the tea altogether.
5"Episode 5"Anthony ByrneKate Brooke3 February 20137.76 [nb 5]
Agnes has resigned following her father's drunken antics at the store. Selfridge goes to her home to mend matters; she is reinstated and he confronts her father. Selfridge becomes disturbed by memories of his own abusive father. Ellen Love decides to visit Rose to reveal the affair. Selfridge discovers the painting of his wife and wonders about her relationship with the artist, Roddy. Theft in the loading bay where George works is discovered. Henri Leclair is pleased Agnes has returned; she falls out with Victor, who is beginning to ingratiate himself with Lady Mae. Selfridge and his wife finally confront one another; he flees to his club and a showdown with Ellen Love. Overwhelmed with sorrow, Selfridge crashes his car while drunk.
6"Episode 6"Anthony ByrneKate Brooke10 February 20137.79 [nb 6]
Selfridge is in a coma from the car crash. Ellen Love is recovering from a botched suicide attempt by drug overdose. Mr Grove – recently bereaved – returns from leave to take charge and his first decision is to ban Lady Mae's suffragettes from meeting in the store. Lady Mae has begun an affair with Victor and he is cold to Agnes; Henri Leclair would like to become her suitor. Selfridge's young son Gordon goes alone to the store, learning he alone will inherit it someday. Ellen thinks about selling her story to the press but is forestalled by an offer from Frank Edwards. The staff must appease the angry suffragettes.
7"Episode 7"Anthony ByrneKate O'Riordan17 February 20137.88 [nb 7]
Selfridge welcomes author and spiritualist Sir Arthur Conan Doyle (John Sessions) to a Sherlock Holmes book signing and Selfridge agrees to his request to hold a séance in the store. The séance raises the hopes of Miss Mardle but upsets Lois Selfridge. Doris takes pity on Miss Bunting whose sacking has landed her in poverty. Kitty has a secret admirer – but not the one she hoped for. Agnes transfers from accessories to women's fashion. Lady Mae helps Selfridge win over the bankers in order to make a share issue; she also chaperones Rosalie Selfridge into high society.
8"Episode 8"Michael Keillor[31]Kate Brooke24 February 20137.71 [nb 8]
Selfridge's old family friend Frank Winfield Woolworth (Michael Brandon) and his wife arrive in London to open a "pile 'em high, sell 'em cheap" store in competition and Selfridge decides to counter with a mid-season sale in every department. Lady Mae proposes suitors for Rosalie and the Selfridges attend one of her soirées at which Roddy is also a guest. Kitty and Doris are rivals for the position of senior assistant subject to interview by Mr Grove. Selfridge refuses to write a reference for Miss Bunting. Agnes has supper with Henri Leclair. Victor's dream of his own restaurant diminishes with Lady Mae's lack of interest. Roddy's attention is proving a nuisance to Rose Selfridge.
9"Episode 9"Michael KeillorKate O'Riordan3 March 20137.40 [nb 9]
Selfridge invites Antarctic explorer Ernest Shackleton (Mark Dexter) to give a lecture in the store. The staff are late arriving for work due to a body on the Underground track and Selfridge is shocked to discover he might be responsible. Frank Edwards loses his job and seeks employment from Selfridge, but is denied it. Roddy Temple's attention to Rosalie results in Harry confronting him. Miss Ravillious discovers the affair between Agnes and Leclair just as his old flame, Valerie Maurel (Joséphine de La Baume), returns with a job offer from New York. Doris Miller takes tea with Mr Grove to remember Miss Bunting.
10"Episode 10"Michael KeillorAndrew Davies10 March 20137.73 [nb 10]
King Edward VII (David Calder) is invited to attend an after hours shopping spree arranged by Lady Mae. In return the King invites the Selfridges to the opening of Ellen Love's new play, to Rose's dismay. Doris Miller is engaged and Miss Mardle is shocked to discover the identity of her fiancé. Henri Leclair tenders his resignation. George Towler invites Kitty Hawkins to the cinema and Agnes Towler renews her friendship with Victor Colleano. The Selfridges and Lady Mae find that the play is a satire with additions to the script by Frank Edwards, bitterly ridiculing them all. Ashamed, Rose Selfridge takes the children back to the United States. Harry Selfridge is now the King of Oxford Street but estranged from his wife and children.

Series 2 (2014)

(1914)

No. in
series		 Title Directed by Written by Original air date Viewers (in millions)
UK viewers by BARB; figures include ITV HD and ITV +1 broadcasts
1"Episode 1"Anthony ByrneAndrew Davies and Kate Brooke19 January 20146.76[nb 11]
June 1914 The store is celebrating five years, and Harry and his wife, Rose, have become increasingly estranged. He's thrilled when she returns to celebrate the fifth anniversary. There's still a rift between them exacerbated by the influence of novelist Delphine Day and their 15-year-old son, Gordon, who wants to leave school and work in the store. Agnes Towler returns from Paris as head of departmental displays. Lady Mae's husband unexpectedly arrives in London and she hears him blackmail his way onto a government military committee amid rumours of impending war.
2"Episode 2"Anthony ByrneKate O'Riordan26 January 20145.73[nb 12]
The staff is worried Selfridge will return to the United States if war breaks out. To reassure them, he organizes an Empire Exhibition in the Palm Court restaurant and a staff party. The party ends up being held, to Selfridge's apprehension, at Delphine's club at his wife's request. Selfridge agrees to this change, hoping it will reconcile them. Trade unionists stir up the warehouse workers to demand more rights and Selfridge's son, Gordon, joins the meeting. Lord Loxley thwarts Lady Mae's plans to escape to their country house without him by renting it out. He also invites himself to the party to meet Selfridge. Delphine lets it slip that Rose has met Henri Leclair, who has returned to London after a failed venture in New York City.
3"Episode 3"Rob EvansKate Brooke2 February 20145.43[nb 13]
July & August 1914 Agnes struggles to get the empire exhibition ready, undermined by Mr Thackeray and the rival departments needs, and Selfridge offers Henri Leclair, to her delight and Victor Colleano's displeasure, a job to assist her. Lord Loxley pays Selfridge a visit to tell him he can get Winston Churchill to open the event in return for information on leather suppliers, while Lady Mae discovers her husband is bankrupt, information she conceals from Selfridge. Mr Grove handed his final warning when late for work again pulls himself together and discovers 80% of the male staff are eligible for the army. Rose finds her son Gordon's collection of racy photos, and they have a heart to heart over the relationship of his parents. War is declared between Britain and Germany.
4"Episode 4"Rob EvansDan Sefton9 February 20145.57[nb 14]
News of the first horrors of war in Belgium, threaten a staff shortage as the men of Selfridges enlist headed by Agnes Towler's brother, George. Selfridge appoints Henri Leclair as his deputy to the displeasure of Thackeray. Rose, Delphine and Lady Mae organise a chocolate sale to aid refugees. Miss Mardle is impressed by Belgian chocolatier Jean Neuhaus (Anthony Howell). Victor, about to enlist, faces a family crisis when his uncle has a heart attack. Lord Loxley gets his shady money-making plans off the ground. Frank Edwards, with little sympathy from Selfridge, finds his war reports are censored by the government.
5"Episode 5"Lawrence TillKate O'Riordan16 February 20145.17
The women now working in the loading bay are struggling to do the job in the clothing provided until Rose Selfridge steps in with some suggestions to make the clothing women-friendly. Selfridge wants to do more for the war effort, so Delphine arranges a card game with several senior government figures who could help. Selfridge suggests to Lady Mae that Lord Loxley attend, which Loxley is pleased to do believing he can beat Selfridge. Crabb organises rifle training for the staff and Rose Selfridge includes the women. Thackeray's interest in Henri Leclair's secretive behaviour reaches a new level when he follows him. Miss Mardle receives a Belgian refugee as house guest, a violinist.
6"Episode 6"Lawrence TillKate Brooke23 February 20145.19
German goods are removed from the shelves, and the British government see an opportunity for Selfridge to go secretly to Berlin to engender information. Selfridge organises a charity concert to foster patriotic sentiment and Lady Mae helps out by arranging for her old friend, music hall singer Richard Chapman (Alfie Boe) to perform at the event and Miss Mardle offers the services of her lodger as an accompanist. Agnes and Victor are going out together and he makes a proposal. Thackeray believes Leclair is a German spy and his response is a surprise. As the concert starts Selfridge is spirited away by the government.
7"Episode 7"Lawrence TillDan Sefton2 March 20145.22
In the absence of Selfridge the store is run by Grove and Crabb, who have to deal with Leclair's arrest as a spy with the help of Agnes and Victor. With the death of a worker from the loading bay on the front line, Gordon Selfridge takes on the task of writing a condolence letter. Selfridge, in his absence, is accused by Lord Loxley of providing substandard army equipment to the British Troops and ensures Frank Edwards publishes the scandal together with the knowledge that Selfridge is in Germany. Lady Mae leaves Loxley. Agnes receives a telegram. Leclair, cleared as a spy, is rearrested and handed over to the Americans for embezzlement.
8"Episode 8"Rob EvansKate Brooke9 March 20145.19
Returning from Germany, Selfridge finds his reputation in tatters and the store losing business. Delphine helps by arranging a visit to the store by Hollywood stars and producer Mack Sennett. Agnes, whose brother is missing in action, asks Selfridge to help Leclair by finding the mysterious woman he was looking for, and Selfridge asks a favour from his government contact. Lady Mae, to end her association with Lord Loxley, decides to help Selfridge but he rebuffs her. Selfridge finds the woman who can clear Leclair's name.
9"Episode 9"Rob EvansDan Sefton16 March 20145.01
Losing customers, Harry is determined to get the store back on track and asks Delphine to organise a special event in the Palm Court restaurant. Leclair suggests he invite American journalist Winifred Bonfils Black (Sara Stewart) to write a story about Selfridge's. Agnes doubts she has made the right choice in Victor Colleano. Lady Mae is taken in by the Selfridges, and she and Frank Edwards unite to help Selfridge but his plan backfires. Selfridge's daughters and his mother arrive from the United States just as Rose is diagnosed with lung congestion and has to spend time in the country. Lady Mae gives Delphine an ultimatum and Agnes receives a visitor. After an improper suggestion by her at attempting to seduce him, Selfridge rejects Delphine and tells her he wishes never to see her again.
10"Episode 10"Rob EvansKate O'Riordan23 March 20145.23
Late November 1914 Victor and Agnes tell Selfridge they intend to resign when they marry and Leclair intends to join the French army, causing all three to have second thoughts. Lady Mae searches Lord Loxley's papers for the proof that will clear Selfridge. Miss Mardle tells her Belgian violinist, Florian, that she reciprocates his feelings but is somewhat wary due to their differing age. Before a family thanksgiving dinner Rose Selfridge confides to her husband about the graveness of her condition/illness. Harry is devastated...

Series 3 (2015)

(1918-1919)

No. in series Title Directed by Written by Original air date UK viewers
(million)[38]
1"Episode 1"Rob EvansKate Brooke25 January 20154.23
Episode opens with a funeral - Rose, Harry's dear wife, has died. Florian was killed in the war and Henri Leclair returns from France and he and Agnes marry. Selfridge's daughter Rosalie marries Serge De Bolotoff, Russian son of Princess Marie (Zoe Wanamaker), an aviator with ideas to promote a new aerodrome in West London; a site also proposed as homes for returning soldiers. Lord Loxley returns to revenge himself on Selfridge. Dissent in the loading bay between the women and returning men from war pose a problem and Victor Colleano is paying bribes to the police to turn a blind eye to activities in his club and George Towler resigns to work with him.
2"Episode 2"Rob EvansKate O'Riordan1 February 20153.99
Selfridge's pursuit of the new homes project is thwarted by Crabb's statement to the company board regarding its viability. The biggest post war fashion event at the store proves a challenge for the staff; and during a heated exchange, Selfridge fires Thackeray, leaving Henri and Agnes to save the situation with unexpected help from Selfridge's daughter Violette. Lord Loxley sees a way to make trouble for Selfridge by investing in Serge's aerodrome plans. Henri, suffering from shell shock, takes to drinking at Colleano's club.
3"Episode 3"Rob EvansHelen Raynor8 February 20154.56
Selfridge personally pays off the women in the loading bay made surplus by the returning men. Proceeding with his plan to buy land for housing, he finds himself bidding against Lord Loxley (who attends the auction with the intent to inflate the price) and pays double what he had intended. Henri has a very public row with Agnes in one of the store's front display windows. Lois, Selfridge's mother, instigates an investigation into the background of Princess Marie. Kitty gets her sister, Connie, a job at Selfridges to get her out of her house, where she is annoying her husband, Frank Edwards, way who has started a book about out of work ex-soldiers that has an unintended consequence for his wife when she is attacked.
4"Episode 4"Robert Del MaestroKate Brooke15 February 20153.81
To catch Kitty's attackers, her husband has to reveal his involvement with the men, causing a strain on their marriage. Another marriage under strain is Rosalie' who has to pay her husband's gambling debts after Lord Loxley, having used him to get at Selfridge pulls out of his project. To save her marriage Agnes resigns to take Henri out of London to recuperate. Grove decides to operate undercover male security within the store. Violette frequents Colleano's nightclub as does her brother Gordon with store girl Grace. After helping the police, Colleano hopes to stop paying protection money to crooked police officers. A lonely Selfridge propositions Nancy Webb.
5"Episode 5"Robert Del MaestroHelen Raynor22 February 20154.18
Selfridge seeks a new store deputy from his staff, placing Miss Mardle and Mr Grove in direct competition. A reluctant Gordon is persuaded by Miss Calthorpe to apply. The fallout from the attack on Kitty Edwards is exploited by Lord Loxley with a plan for a charitable foundation for former soldiers that would also raise his own dubious reputation. Selfridge counters by advancing his and Nancy Webb's plans for the Selfridge estate. Lois Selfridge confronts Princess Marie about her debts. Doris Grove confides in Miss Mardle as to the real father of her son. Colleano's club is raided by the police and he and Violette are arrested.
6"Episode 6"Joss AgnewMatt Jones1 March 20154.14
Selfridge sells some of his stock, losing sole control of the store to raise cash for his and Nancy Webb's Selfridge estate. Victor Colleano is approached to have gambling in his club by a man that will get the police off his back. Mr Grove is not happy being passed over for promotion and lets Gordon, the new store deputy, give the new head of display approval for a new window display not realizing the embarrassment that it will cause. Kitty Edwards, realizing her husband is powerless to stop Lord Loxley helping the men who attacked her, seeks George Towler's help to resolve the situation. Miss Mardle's attempt to help Doris Grove and the real father of her baby goes disastrously wrong.
7"Episode 7"Joss AgnewJames Payne8 March 20153.98
Selfridge's relationship with Nancy Webb deepens and she has doubts about her own plans when Lord Loxley, who has purchased the stock Selfridge sold, tries to undermine him at a board meeting. Loxley, to demand a seat on the board, has also acquired Rosalie's shares through Serge, and Selfridge's fury with him is only placated by the news of Rosalie's pregnancy. George Towler is unhappy that Colleano is turning a blind eye to drug taking at the club and walks out. Grove questions why his wife died and a guilt ridden Miss Mardle reveals the paternity of his son, Earnest, and he orders her to take the baby away.
8"Episode 8"Lawrence TillHelen Raynor15 March 20153.64
The peace Treaty of Versailles is signed and Selfridge decides to hold a "Britain at Play" event to promote the store; he appoints Frank Edwards as head of print and publications. Lord Loxley heads a group of shareholders examining Selfridges's plans. Colleano decides to make his club a members only gambling establishment, which requires the backing of Regan, the man who has been keeping the police off his back. George Towler convinces Mr Grove to reunite his children, including Earnest. Miss Calthorpe realizes she has no future with Gordon Selfridge. Nancy Webb's plans begin to unravel when she accepts a proposal of marriage from Selfridge.
9"Episode 9"Lawrence TillKate O'Riordan22 March 2015
To make good his promise to shareholders to increase profits, Selfridge announces a massive sale. Bad publicity engendered by rival stores is exploited by Lord Loxley, who convenes an emergency board meeting. Lord Loxley reads of the forthcoming marriage of Lady Mae. George Towler is re-employed as head of security following an approach to Mr Grove by Miss Mardle. Colleano is under pressure from Regan to make more money from the club's clientele. Nancy Webb's secret partner, unhappy with her plans to marry Selfridge, is discovered by Princess Marie, whose own fortune has taken an upturn.
10"Episode 10"Lawrence TillKate Brooke29 March 20153.88
Selfridge survives a vote of no-confidence engineered by Lord Loxley. Gordon chooses Miss Calthorpe against his father's wishes. Mr Grove and Miss Mardle are reconciled. Nancy Webb confesses to Selfridge when her secret partner, her brother, is arrested and Selfridge ends their relationship despite her professing her love for him. Violette is again rejected by Victor Colleano and she goes to Paris to await a proposal of marriage from Jacques de Sibour, an airman friend of Serge. Lord Loxley sells his shares to a mysterious backer intent on owning the store.

Series 4 (2016)

On March 13, 2015, ITV announced it has ordered a fourth series consisting of 10 episodes that will air in 2016, with Jeremy Piven returning as Harry Selfridge. A major new character, played by Sacha Dhawan, has been added for series four.[39]

Reception

In a poll hosted by MSN more than 80% of readers said they would continue watching the show following the first episode.[40] Phil Hogan writing for The Guardian bemoaned the story development. He observed that there is "so much crisis with so little drama".[41] The Daily Mail's Ian Hyland was impressed with the series and praised the performances of Piven, Tapper and Loftus.[42] Ross Sweeney from Cultbox said that the show had direction but lacked "actual substance and any real surprises". He praised the costume designers for their "astonishing attention to detail".[43] Susanna Lazarus of the Radio Times opined that the character's earnestness detracted from the realism of the story. She added the female cast created the "plot tension" needed to maintain viewership.[44] Gabriel Tate of Time Out branded it an unsubtle, daft series with glorious production values but felt it was "ideal escapism for a Sunday night". He also stated that the character of Agnes Towler was "the heart of the show".[45] Benjamin Secher from The Daily Telegraph said that Mr Selfridge is a "less cosy, more charismatic" production of The Paradise. A "sumptuous, frothy drama" and "entertaining spectacle", but ultimately Secher did not believe the story.[46] MSN critic Dan Owen branded it "sumptuous Sunday evening viewing". He thought the "wonderful" sets and costumes were better than those featured in fellow period drama Downton Abbey.[40]

International broadcasts

The programme has been distributed internationally by ITV Studios' Global Entertainment brand.[10] ITV sold the series to a number countries at the 2012 Mipcom event.[47] In addition they have pre-sold the show to Australia's Seven Network and the satellite television provider, Yes, in Israel.[48] In the Netherlands, Series 1 was aired starting August, 2013 and series 2 was aired from July 2014.

Country Channel Year Ref
Australia Channel Seven 2013–
Belgium Eén 2013–
Canada (english) Vision TV 2014– [49]
Canada (french) Ici Radio-Canada Télé January 2015–
Croatia HRT 2013–
Czech Republic Česká televize 2014–2015
Denmark DR1 2013– [50]
Estonia Kanal 2 14 December 2014– [47]
Finland YLE 4 February 2014– [47]
France OCS Max 2013–
Germany ZDFneo December 2014-
Hungary Story4 2014–
Iran, Afghanistan and Tajikistan Manoto 1 March 2014–
Ireland TV3 2013– [51]
Israel Yes Oh 2013–
Italy Diva Universal Rai 3 2013–
Latin America OnDIRECTV 2013– [52]
Latin America Sundance Channel 2013– [52]
Middle East MBC 4 March 2014–
Netherlands NCRV (NPO 2) 2013–
New Zealand One 2013–14 [53]
Norway NRK 2013– [47]
Philippines My Movie Channel 30 March 2015–
Portugal Fox Life September 2014–
Slovenia Planet TV 26 February 2014– [54]
Spain La 1 2014–
Sweden SVT1 2013– [55]
United States PBS 2013– [47]

Notes

  1. ↑ 7.699 million on ITV,[12] 844,000 on the ITV HD simulcast,[13] and 813,000 on ITV +1.[14]
  2. ↑ 7.383 million on ITV,[15] 834,000 on the ITV HD simulcast,[16] and 730,000 on ITV +1.[17]
  3. ↑ 6.19 million on ITV,[18] 786,000 on the ITV HD simulcast,[19] and 626,000 on ITV +1.[20]
  4. ↑ 6.97 million on ITV and ITV HD,[21] and 760,000 on ITV +1.[22]
  5. ↑ 6.27 million on ITV,[23] 747,000 on the ITV HD simulcast,[24] and 744,000 on ITV +1.[25]
  6. ↑ 6.658 million on ITV,[26] 727,000 on the ITV HD simulcast,[27] and 407,000 on ITV +1.[28]
  7. ↑ 6.57 million on ITV,[29] 654,000 on the ITV HD simulcast,[27] and 654,000 on ITV +1.[30]
  8. ↑ 6.26 million on ITV,[32] 712,000 on the ITV HD simulcast,[27] and 742,000 on ITV +1.[33]
  9. ↑ 5.97 million on ITV,[34] 695,000 on the ITV HD simulcast,[27] and 736,000 on ITV +1.[35]
  10. ↑ 6.20 million on ITV,[36] 726,000 on the ITV HD simulcast,[27] and 799,000 on ITV +1.[37]
  11. ↑ 5.43 million on ITV, 777,000 on the ITV HD simulcast, and 553,000 on ITV +1.
  12. ↑ 5.16 million on ITV and 569,000 on ITV +1.
  13. ↑ 4.91 million on ITV and 519,000 on ITV +1.
  14. ↑ 5.06 million on ITV and 506,000 on ITV +1.

References

  1. ↑ "Masterpiece on PBS and ITV Studios Announce Mr. Selfridge Starring Jeremy Piven" (PDF) (Press release). Boston, MA: WGBH. 25 July 2012. Retrieved 2013-10-09. MASTERPIECE/WGBH and ITV Studios have announced a coproduction deal that includes Mr. Selfridge (w.t.), a highly anticipated new drama series starring Jeremy Piven (Entourage) in the title role.
  2. ↑ 2.0 2.1 Fletcher, Alex (24 May 2011). "Selfridges story to be made into TV series". Digital Spy. (Hearst Magazines UK). Retrieved 18 February 2013.
  3. ↑ Singh, Anita (24 September 2012). "From Selfridges to John Lewis, we've a treat in store". The Daily Telegraph. (Telegraph Media Group). Retrieved 11 February 2013.
  4. ↑ "Mr Selfridge commissioned for another series". itv.com. (ITV Plc). 8 February 2013. Retrieved 11 February 2013.
  5. ↑ Fletcher, Alex (8 February 2013). "'Mr Selfridge' gets second series from ITV". Digital Spy. (Hearst Magazines UK). Retrieved 18 February 2013.
  6. ↑ De Moraes, Lisa (22 July 2013). "PBS Orders Second Season of ‘Mr. Selfridge’". Deadline.com. Retrieved 22 July 2013.
  7. ↑ http://www.radiotimes.com/news/2014-02-19/mr-selfridge-to-return-for-a-third-series
  8. ↑ http://www.itv.com/presscentre/press-releases/mr-selfridge-commissioned-new-10-part-fourth-series
  9. ↑ 9.0 9.1 Barber, Richard (27 December 2012). "The secrets of Mr Selfridge". The Lady. Retrieved 17 February 2013.
  10. ↑ 10.0 10.1 10.2 "Mr Selfridge production notes" (PDF). itv.com. (ITV plc). Retrieved 11 February 2013.
  11. ↑ Jeffery, Morgan (29 March 2012). "Jeremy Piven, Katherine Kelly to star in ITV's 'Mr Selfridge'". Digital Spy. (Hearst Magazines UK). Retrieved 18 February 2013.
  12. ↑ "Weekly Top 30 Programmes: ITV w/e 06 January 2013". Broadcasters' Audience Research Board. Retrieved 26 February 2013.
  13. ↑ "Weekly Top 10 Programmes: ITV HD w/e 06 January 2013". Broadcasters' Audience Research Board. Retrieved 26 February 2013.
  14. ↑ "Weekly Top 10 Programmes: ITV1+1 w/e 06 January 2013". Broadcasters' Audience Research Board. Retrieved 26 February 2013.
  15. ↑ "Weekly Top 30 Programmes: ITV w/e 13 January 2013". Broadcasters' Audience Research Board. Retrieved 26 February 2013.
  16. ↑ "Weekly Top 10 Programmes: ITV HD w/e 13 January 2013". Broadcasters' Audience Research Board. Retrieved 26 February 2013.
  17. ↑ "Weekly Top 10 Programmes: ITV1+1 w/e 13 January 2013". Broadcasters' Audience Research Board. Retrieved 26 February 2013.
  18. ↑ "Weekly Top 30 Programmes: ITV w/e 20 January 2013". Broadcasters' Audience Research Board. Retrieved 26 February 2013.
  19. ↑ "Weekly Top 10 Programmes: ITV HD w/e 20 January 2013". Broadcasters' Audience Research Board. Retrieved 26 February 2013.
  20. ↑ "Weekly Top 10 Programmes: ITV1+1 w/e 20 January 2013". Broadcasters' Audience Research Board. Retrieved 26 February 2013.
  21. ↑ "Weekly Top 10 Programmes: ITV w/e 27 January 2013". Broadcasters' Audience Research Board. Retrieved 26 February 2013.
  22. ↑ "Weekly Top 10 Programmes: ITV1+1 w/e 27 January 2013". Broadcasters' Audience Research Board. Retrieved 26 February 2013.
  23. ↑ "Weekly Top 30 Programmes: ITV w/e 3 February 2013". Broadcasters' Audience Research Board. Retrieved 26 February 2013.
  24. ↑ "Weekly Top 10 Programmes: ITV HD w/e 3 February 2013". Broadcasters' Audience Research Board. Retrieved 26 February 2013.
  25. ↑ "Weekly Top 10 Programmes: ITV1+1 w/e 3 February 2013". Broadcasters' Audience Research Board. Retrieved 26 February 2013.
  26. ↑ "Weekly Top 30 Programmes: ITV w/e 10 February 2013". Broadcasters' Audience Research Board. Retrieved 26 February 2013.
  27. ↑ 27.0 27.1 27.2 27.3 27.4 "Weekly Top 10 Programmes: ITV HD w/e 10 February 2013". Broadcasters' Audience Research Board. Retrieved 26 February 2013.
  28. ↑ "Weekly Top 10 Programmes: ITV1+1 w/e 10 February 2013". Broadcasters' Audience Research Board. Retrieved 26 February 2013.
  29. ↑ "Weekly Top 30 Programmes: ITV w/e 17 February 2013". Broadcasters' Audience Research Board. Retrieved 26 February 2013.
  30. ↑ "Weekly Top 10 Programmes: ITV1+1 w/e 17 February 2013". Broadcasters' Audience Research Board. Retrieved 26 February 2013.
  31. ↑ Graham, Alison. "Mr Selfridge – Series 1 – Episode 8". Radio Times. (Immediate Media Company). Retrieved 17 February 2013.
  32. ↑ "Weekly Top 30 Programmes: ITV w/e 24 February 2013". Broadcasters' Audience Research Board. Retrieved 16 March 2013.
  33. ↑ "Weekly Top 10 Programmes: ITV1+1 w/e 24 February 2013". Broadcasters' Audience Research Board. Retrieved 16 March 2013.
  34. ↑ "Weekly Top 30 Programmes: ITV w/e 03 March 2013". Broadcasters' Audience Research Board. Retrieved 16 March 2013.
  35. ↑ "Weekly Top 10 Programmes: ITV1+1 w/e 03 March 2013". Broadcasters' Audience Research Board. Retrieved 16 March 2013.
  36. ↑ "Weekly Top 30 Programmes: ITV w/e 10 March 2013". Broadcasters' Audience Research Board. Retrieved 23 March 2013.
  37. ↑ "Weekly Top 10 Programmes: ITV1+1 w/e 10 March 2013". Broadcasters' Audience Research Board. Retrieved 23 March 2013.
  38. ↑ "Weekly Viewing Summary (see relevant week)". BARB.
  39. ↑ Earnshaw, Jessica. "Mr Selfridge to return for fourth series in 2016, Jeremy Piven announces". express.co.uk. Northern and Shell Media Publications. Retrieved 30 April 2015.
  40. ↑ 40.0 40.1 Owen, Dan (7 January 2013). "Mr Selfridge: Is it as good as Downton Abbey?". MSN. (Microsoft). Retrieved 17 February 2013.
  41. ↑ Hogan, Phil (12 January 2013). "Rewind TV: Mr Selfridge; Spies of Warsaw; The Polar Bear Family and Me – review". The Guardian. (Guardian Media Group). Retrieved 17 February 2013.
  42. ↑ Hyland, Ian (12 January 2012). "Sold, to the man on the sofa". Daily Mail. (Associated Newspapers). Retrieved 17 February 2013.
  43. ↑ Sweeney, Ross (16 January 2013). "‘Mr Selfridge’: Episode 2 review". CultBox. Retrieved 17 February 2013.
  44. ↑ Lazarus, Susanna (6 January 2013). "Mr Selfridge review: a strong female cast but where were the visual treats?". Radio Times. (Immediate Media Company). Retrieved 17 February 2013.
  45. ↑ Tate, Gabriel (13 January 2013). "Mr Selfridge review". Time Out. (Time Out Group Ltd). Retrieved 17 February 2013.
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  47. ↑ 47.0 47.1 47.2 47.3 47.4 Roxborough, Scott (8 October 2012). "MIPCOM 2012: ITV Pre-Sells Jeremy Piven Series 'Mr Selfridge'". The Hollywood Reporter. (Prometheus Global Media). Retrieved 11 February 2013.
  48. ↑ Kanter, Jake (27 July 2012). "ITV drama Mr Selfridge sold to US". Broadcast. (EMAP). Retrieved 16 February 2013.
  49. ↑ "ITV Studios Global Entertainment Sells Mr Selfridge To Vision TV Among Raft Of Canadian Sales". ITV Studios. 4 June 2013. Retrieved 8 June 2014.
  50. ↑ "Store forventninger". dr.dk (in Danish). (Danmarks Radio). Retrieved 26 May 2013.
  51. ↑ "Mr Selfridge". TV3.ie. TV3. Retrieved 11 February 2013.
  52. ↑ 52.0 52.1 "Rectify: Este mes en OnDIRECTV" (in Spanish). (TV & Media Blog). Retrieved 7 July 2013.
  53. ↑ "Mr Selfridge". TVNZ. Retrieved 14 September 2013.
  54. ↑ "Gospod Selfridge - Planet TV". Antenna TV SL. Retrieved 26 February 2014.
  55. ↑ "Mr Selfridge". svt.se (in Swedish). (Sveriges Television). Retrieved 11 February 2013.

External links