SERIES THREE

 SERIES THREE ***The information attached is strictly embargoed from all press use, non-­‐
commercial publication, or syndication until 0001hrs Thursday 15th January 2015*** 1 SERIES THREE CONTENTS Press Release ..................................................................................................... Pages 3 -­‐ 4 Foreword by Writer & Executive Producer, Kate Brooke ................................... Page 5 -­‐ 6 CAST INTERVIEWS Jeremy Piven is Harry Selfridge ........................................................................ Pages 7 -­‐ 10 Zoë Wanamaker is Princess Marie ................................................................. Pages 11 -­‐ 14 Sacha Parkinson is Connie Hawkins ............................................................... Pages 15 -­‐ 18 Kelly Adams is Nancy Webb ........................................................................... Pages 19 -­‐ 22 Leon Ockenden is Serge De Bolotoff .............................................................. Pages 23 -­‐ 26 Hannah Tointon is Violette Selfridge ............................................................. Pages 27 -­‐ 29 Kara Tointon is Rosalie Selfridge .................................................................... Pages 30 -­‐ 33 Synopses ........................................................................................................ Pages 34 -­‐ 37 Cast and Crew Credits .................................................................................... Pages 38 -­‐ 41 Press contacts: Kate Bain Tel: 020 7157 3039 Email: [email protected] Picture contact: Jo Blanket Patrick Smith Tel: 020 7157 3011 Tel: 020 7157 3044 Email: [email protected] Email: [email protected] 2 Zoë Wanamaker, Kara Tointon, Hannah Tointon, Kelly Adams and Leon Ockenden star alongside lead actor Jeremy Piven in the new third series of Mr Selfridge Following the ratings success with British, US and international audiences, ten new episodes of ITV Studios’ lavish period drama Mr Selfridge, starring Emmy award-­‐
winning American actor, Jeremy Piven, have been produced by ITV Studios for ITV. The drama is inspired by the life of charismatic American entrepreneur, Harry Gordon Selfridge, whose business in London’s Oxford Street has become a much-­‐loved institution. This new series is the third instalment in the fascinating rise and fall of this colourful but troubled man and picks up in 1919 just after the end of World War I. Zoë Wanamaker (My Family, Harry Potter films, Agatha Christie: Poirot) joins the series cast to play Russian Princess, Marie de Bolotoff. Though the shadow of World War I hangs over everyone, the first episode opens with the joyous occasion of a wedding. Harry’s eldest daughter, Rosalie, marries Princess Marie’s handsome son Serge, played by Leon Ockenden (Waterloo Road, Casualty, Heartbeat). Rosalie Selfridge is played by Kara Tointon (EastEnders, Lewis) and Kara’s real-­‐life sister, Hannah Tointon, plays her rebellious sister, Violette, which sees the sisters acting together for the first time. Sacha Parkinson (Coronation Street, The Mill) also joins the cast to play Kitty Hawkins’ ambitious younger sister, along with Kelly Adams (Bluestone 42, Hustle, Holby City) who plays Harry’s new love interest, Nancy Webb. Series two screened on ITV on Sunday nights from January 2014 with the opening episode enjoyed by 6.8 million viewers with a 22.4% share of available viewing. The series averaged 6.4 million viewers (21.6% share). Kate Brooke (Ice Cream Girls, Making of a Lady) returns as the lead writer working alongside Kate O’Riordan (The Bad Mother’s Handbook, The Kindness of Strangers), Helen Raynor (Baker Boys, Doctor Who), Matt Jones (Rogue, Dirk Gently) and James Payne (EastEnders, The Musketeers). 3 Lindy Woodhead, author of Shopping Seduction and Mr Selfridge, the book that inspired the series, continues in her role as advisor on retail history. The series is produced by Dominic Barlow (The Mill, The Crash, Garrow’s Law), and executive produced by Kate Lewis (Lightfields, Vera, Marchlands) for ITV Studios alongside Kate Brooke and Kate O’Riordan. The new series has been commissioned for ITV by Director of Drama Steve November and Controller of Drama Victoria Fea. “We’re delighted to have commissioned a third series of Mr Selfridge,” said Steve. “It’s been very pleasing to see how the audience have reacted to the drama and the vibrant and inspirational world the production team have created.” Kate Lewis, executive producer for ITV Studios said: “We have some surprises in store for an audience in this third series. You only have to walk down Oxford St today to know that Selfridges Department Store continued to be successful, but for its founder, Harry Selfridge, things were very different. His story was a rollercoaster ride that ended rather tragically. We pick up Series 3 in 1919, the point at which his life really begins to unravel.” Mr Selfridge is distributed internationally by ITV Studios Global Entertainment. Press contacts: Jo Blanket on 020 7157 3011 / [email protected] Kate Bain on 020 7157 3039 / [email protected] 4 Foreword By Writer and Executive Producer, Kate Brooke Mr Selfridge is back! It’s wonderful to have been the lead writer on another series of the show. In this third season we are taking our characters down surprising avenues, exploring darker situations for them. It’s 1919 and the whole of England -­‐ including the Selfridge family and the store employees -­‐ are searching for ways to recover from the devastation of the Great War. Everyone has lost somebody; everyone has suffered change. How do you move on from such a cataclysmic event? How do you look forward and get on with your life? Harry Selfridge, reeling from a personal grief, will make many mistakes over the ten episodes of this series. He will sew the seeds of his own downfall. Selfridges, the store, is still shining bright on Oxford Street today, but the Selfridge family is no longer at the helm. How did one man create such a magnificent store and then lose it? It seems like the harder Harry tries, the more he puts himself at risk. Looking for ways to maintain the Selfridge family legacy, and at the same time to help the country recover from War, he unwittingly makes himself vulnerable. And he has enemies, both seen and unseen. Lord Loxley is back in town. He’s made a fortune, but he’s lost his most prized possession, Lady Mae. Loxley blames Harry and the battle between the two men rages over the boardroom table, as Loxley accrues shares and tries to oust Harry as Chairman of the store. Harry is also in trouble on the home front. His eldest daughter Rosalie has married the son of a Russian Emigree Princess. Serge wants to exploit his new family connections and his penniless mother, Princess Marie, is keen to get her hands on Selfridge money. But the real problems kick in when Loxley and Serge team up against Harry… Our store characters are facing challenges as well: Accommodating the men coming back from War, both at home and in the shop, is extremely difficult. Many of them, disabled and injured, are now unfit for work. They resent the women who have taken their jobs. On a more intimate level, tensions are at breaking point between couples. Agnes struggles to understand a traumatised Henri; Doris is hiding a terrible secret from Mr Grove; Miss Mardle must adjust to the realisation that she is alone again. But the human spirit is naturally optimistic, and in the face of all these problems, there’s only one thing to do… dress up, go out and dance! London has become a party City and Harry’s daughter, Violette, symbolises the restless age, out all night dancing until she drops. Harry, as always, takes the pulse of the moment, inviting French designers to show their couture dresses at the store, and launching a huge 5 Beauty promotion from the Selfridges roof garden. Victor has also seen his chance, setting up a glamorous night club, and hiring a Dixieland band. If they’re not dancing, our characters are flying in aeroplanes or driving motor cars at speed. They’re reaching out for excitement, they’re breaking new boundaries. Writing and storylining the third series of Mr Selfridge, I wanted it to be a frenetic ride, full of muscular story and energy. Gone is the understated elegance of the Edwardian era. We’re on the cusp of the ‘Twenties and I hope the roar will resonate in your ears. 6 Jeremy Piven is Harry Selfridge Jeremy Piven has graced our screens as American entrepreneur and department store owner, Harry Selfridge since 2013. Since it’s conception, Mr Selfridge has been a hit with viewers in the UK and abroad who have delighted in watching Harry Selfridge build his Empire. Jeremy is now recognised for the role across the globe, and is proud of the series continuing success. “I love being recognised as Harry Selfridge. It’s great that people are watching and know the character I am playing. The production team and cast are very proud of the work we have done in creating Harry’s world. We all work as hard as possible because we love the show. “People seem to resonate and love the period in which this is set. It’s evident just by how many countries we sell it to – over 100 around the world. “The fact that people from all walks of life are gravitating towards Mr Selfridge and are invested in the characters is great. We film most of the series from a warehouse in Neasden, so knowing that it reaches so many people is mind-­‐blowing. When people come up to me I see their enthusiasm and passion. That is inspiring to me.” Mr Selfridge is filmed over six months of the year in Greater London and Kent. During filming, Jeremy embraces British culture, living in central London. “I have spent the past three years in England and feel very lucky to have been welcomed with open arms. I feel like an honorary Brit,” says Jeremy. “London is like a second home to me. I really enjoy being here for six months of the year. The people are really friendly. I have a lot of fun.” This series of Mr Selfridge sees the Chicago-­‐born actor return as Harry Selfridge in 1919, just after the end of World War I. Following the death of his wife Rose, Harry is grief-­‐stricken and trying to maintain the careful balance of being with his family and managing London’s biggest department store during a time of upheaval felt by all England. Jeremy explains more about what’s in store… 7 “We’re really getting to it this series more than ever,” says Jeremy. “I believe it’s the best series we have done. It’s really challenging as an actor, but that’s what you look for in a role. It’s great to be constantly challenged. “The series is full of drama and based on true events. I feel like nothing is crazier than the truth, especially when it comes to Harry’s life. This time around it’s a turbulent ride! “It begins on a very sad note as Rose has died. She was the love of Harry’s life no matter what. Her passing is devastating to him. Harry does anything he can to not be still and have to go inward and feel his grief. “After Rose’s funeral we see the family preparing for a wedding; Harry’s daughter Rosalie is to marry a Russian Prince called Serge De Bolotoff. So there is a celebration following a tragic event. “Harry is proud of his daughter. However, because of the turmoil over losing Rose, he has been distracted and hasn’t taken the time to get to know Serge or his mother, Princess Marie. When the wedding happens Harry gets his first real experience of them. From what he can see, they are a brash Russian family, much like bulls in a China shop. He can’t quite work out what their agenda is. “Serge seems to be incredibly ambitious and Harry doesn’t know if he’s the right one for her. Not long after the wedding they come to blows when Harry’s old nemesis Lord Loxley makes an appearance and starts stirring trouble for Harry and his business. Serge gets involved and makes some fatal errors that have devastating consequences for Harry and the store.” Harry also has his hands full with his second daughter, Violette. “Violette is in certain ways the most like Harry. She is very restless and wants to make her mark. But in this age after the war and since losing her mother she’s a bit lost. Harry won’t let her work in the store even though she shows merit, and as a result she rebels. “Violette is a loose cannon. She starts going to Colleano’s club and falls for Victor Colleano. He is the wrong guy for her and Harry does everything he can to get her away from him. But there’s no stopping her!” Harry’s daughters are played by sibling actresses, Kara and Hannah Tointon, who are new to the cast this year. “Kara and Hannah both have this incredible energy and are so easy to get along with. They’re really professional and great at what they do. They are a great addition to the cast. 8 “I think we have been really lucky as the new cast that have come in are fantastic. Leon, who plays Serge, and Zoë, who plays Princess Marie, are hugely talented. “I’m very lucky with the entire Selfridge family. Off screen we have so much fun and laughter, which is the exact opposite to what viewers will see on screen because there is so much tension and drama in the household.” In the second series Harry’s son Gordon gave up his education to work with his father in Selfridge’s in order to learn the family business. Gordon has since worked his way around the departments, and Harry hopes he’ll soon be ready to step up to be his right hand man – but is he ready? “Harry’s always made his son Gordon work for everything he has,” explains Jeremy. “He makes him go through his paces and start from the bottom and work in every department in the same way he did back in Chicago. Finally a position opens up in the store for a new deputy. Harry assumes Gordon will throw his hat into the ring but he doesn’t, which is very disappointing to him. “Harry believes that at this point Gordon has really appreciated learning and working in the store so the next logical step would be to move up in the ranks. Gordon’s a little intimidated by the whole thing. He’s already had some teething problems when he’s tried to step up and make decisions in Harry’s absence. When Gordon says he isn’t ready to take on the position it saddens him as he believes his son isn’t grateful and he’s not willing to progress. Harry hopes Gordon will change his mind, but Gordon has other things to distract his attention because he’s secretly dating one of the other employees!” Harry has a lot to contend with at home and at the store. But in his personal life the future seems bright when he meets striking businesswoman, Nancy Webb. Harry instantly falls under her spell, and headlong into a relationship. “This series shows the beginning of Harry Selfridge’s demise, but his journey isn’t completely dark. He finds love,” says Jeremy. “When Nancy first approaches Harry, the last thing he’s looking for is love. In her he sees incredible spirit. She is an entrepreneur and wants to build houses for the fallen heroes of the war, which is really admirable. She’s very reminiscent of his late wife and so he starts a business with her and believes it is a sign to continue Rose’s legacy. “He feels like all the pieces have come back together and that she’s given him back his life. He is excited about the project they are working on, and about the future they can build as a couple. It’s really great to see him so happy. He will stop at nothing to make it work, even if it means taking a risk financially.” Nancy’s ambition to build homes for servicemen who have returned from war is one of many storylines in Mr Selfridge that reflects the impact of the end of World War I and how England had to change and rebuild as a nation. Jeremy reveals he is pleased 9 to have the opportunity to portray this important time in British history through the series. “Britain remembered the centenary of the start of The Great War this year so it feels poignant to show the after affects in the series through our much-­‐loved characters. I’m glad we can do storylines that show many different angles such as how difficult it was to come back from war, post traumatic stress syndrome, homelessness, and struggle for getting back to work. “We need to honour all the people that gave their lives during The Great War, and honour the servicemen who continue to do so to this day. It’s very important.” Jeremy plans to take part in the 100 Year Challenge to mark the centenary of the World War I and raise money for the National Memorial Arboretum, part of The Royal British Legion family of charities. “I’m proud to be a part of it and hopefully when I come back to the UK next year I’ll be able to do it. “I feel really lucky to be able to work with charities doing important work. I hope to be a part of some more in the future too.” Jeremy’s passion for charity is reminiscent of the real Harry Selfridge. “Harry Selfridge openly supported charities and worked tirelessly for Britain. He had dual citizenship and he cared a lot about the country and wanted to help in any way he could. At first it was hard for people to take because he was an outsider, but then they saw his evident dedication and passion toward the country. We’re trying to do as much justice to that as possible.” Jeremy, who won an Emmy Award for his role as Ari Gold in Entourage, reveals he has high hopes to return to London in 2015 to film another series of Mr Selfridge. “Everything that was established in the first two series is being shaken up this year. Every cast member is getting their shot and they deserve it. All the characters have the breadth to fight to see another day. I’m looking forward to what might happen in the next series. “I’ve always been a fan of period drama and have gravitated towards it. To find myself in Mr Selfridge, having just completed the third series is great, especially coming from such a contemporary show like Entourage. I can’t wait to do more.” Jeremy’s credits include: Entourage: The Movie; Sin City: A Dame to Kill For; So Undercover; Angels Crest; RocknRolla; Smokin’ Aces; Keeping Up with the Steins; Old School; The Larry Sanders Show. 10 Zoë Wanamaker is Princess Marie When critically acclaimed actress Zoë Wanamaker was a child growing up in London, going into Selfridges department store on London’s Oxford Street was an everyday occasion. “When I was a kid, my mum used to go to Selfridges all the time and I used to go with her,” says Zoë. “I remember it really well. My mum is American so going into department stores was the norm. Selfridges was fairly close to where we lived so it was a place to go. “Selfridges was a real experience for me. It was massive! It’s changed so much now but it was a very glamorous place, and still is. The architecture is so beautiful. I love the clock and the doors and it still had the wooden floors. It is a beautiful shop.” Zoë reveals that although she has frequented Selfridges she was unaware of the history behind the store founder, Harry Selfridge. “I didn’t know anything about Harry Selfridge, but for me that was the fun of doing this job. I enjoy the research. Reading about Harry is quite a revelation. He was a genius. The whole idea of placing items on shop counters was his idea – but then he was surprised when people nicked things!” Zoë also enjoyed researching the real life history of her character in Mr Selfridge, Princess Marie, mother of Prince Serge De Bolotoff. “I took a lot of the background research about my character from Lindy Woodhead, who wrote the book Shopping Seduction and Mr Selfridge. I’ve also been reading a lot about Russian history, particularly during that period in which my character lived.” In the series we learn the extravagant and glamorous Princess Marie Wiasemsky was a direct descendent to a founding father of Russia. She claims to have been later hounded out of the country by the Bolsheviks. “The fact the aristocracy had to get out of Russia very quickly and take as much wealth as they could carry without being searched was very important to me. You can see the desperation of having to survive and get by in a foreign land. 11 “To have to run must have been terrifying. Imagine horses chasing you across snow and ice and trying to get on a train and out of there. Apparently the mentality of the aristocracy was extraordinary. In Moscow, before they had to get out, the manicurists were run off their feet because the women had to have their nails done!” We first meet Princess Marie in all her Russian glory at the high society wedding between Prince Serge De Bolotoff and Harry Selfridge’s eldest daughter, Rosalie. Says Zoë: “The first time you see her is at the wedding of her son Serge who has married into the Selfridge family. His bride is the beautiful Rosalie Selfridge. “At the reception afterwards she seems to know everybody! She’s quite a character. In history she’s described as a bombshell. “One thing that stands out is that she adores her son. She thinks he’s the best thing since the invention of the telephone. She loves that he’s married into money. That makes her very happy. And the excitement of marrying a Selfridge is great. “Harry Selfridge moves in the same society which she moves in. Princess Marie goes higher because she knows lots of royalty and lots of rich and powerful people in England. She is a great society mover.” Zoë continues: “Although Harry Selfridge is American, it’s clear he’s done well for himself. He’s powerful, rich and charismatic and interesting. That suits her fine. For her son that is fantastic. Also, as family there’s a possibility Harry might invest in Serge’s aeroplane if Serge plays his cards right. “I think the match has mutual benefits as the marriage elevates the Selfridge family too. It must have been a huge thing for his daughter to marry Prince Bolotoff.” The costume designer, James Keast wanted to make a big impact with Princess Marie’s character through her styling. Rich and opulent colours, fabrics and designs were used, and Zoë was pleased get involved in the process right from the beginning of filming. “At the wedding the hat Princess Marie wears is fantastic. We decided it had to look like a crown. We went on the premise that the hat would be completely eccentric and the look regal and powerful to accentuate her character, particularly as it’s the first time we meet her. “She had been in Paris before arriving in London so she would have spent a lot of money on clothes of the couture at the time. She would have had the very best clothes and it was very important she looked moneyed. “The detail is wonderful. The costume designer has been great and very supportive. We talked a lot about what she would wear, the colours, jewellery and make-­‐up. We 12 looked at a lot of pictures and talked about different styles, and that she always had to look up to date. “The era wasn’t one I was unused to. When I was doing The Cherry Orchard at The National Theatre, the set designer, Bunny Christie found a fantastic book on Coco Chanel. It was a wonderful pictorial book on what Coco was wearing at this period and we based a lot of those costumes on them. Corsets had just started to go, so the shape was different. I now love the style, as I think James and the team on Mr Selfridge have done the most beautiful job.” Coupled with fantastic costume creations, Zoë also has some of the best one-­‐liners of the series – enough to rival Dame Maggie Smith’s Dowager Countess in Downton Abbey. “She’s a force to be reckoned with,” laughs Zoë. “I love her one-­‐liners. She’s arrogantly funny. But she’s got to be witty and sharp -­‐ to go through all she has and keep your sense of humour, you have to be funny.” Speaking further about her character Zoë says: “Princess Marie is a complete aristocrat. It’s not unusual for her to be waited on hand and foot. She never closes doors because someone else is meant to do that. She never picks things up and she expects someone else to clear up. It’s always been that way. “There is one scene when she gives Serge and Rosalie a samovar as a wedding present. Samovars were considered the most beautiful, expensive piece. In the old days, to give something like that was a big thing as they cost a fortune. When she’s asked how to use it she’s got no idea at all, but that is because it’s always been done by someone else!” Zoë continues: “When it comes to money she doesn’t think anything of charging everything to Harry Selfridge’s account. As far as she’s concerned it’s totally normal. She’s the mother of his son-­‐in-­‐law and that’s just how things are. “She was known as a serial spend thrift and that’s how she lived all her life.” In order to take on the role as Princess Marie, Zoë had to master a Russian accent with the help of voice and dialect coach, Liam Robinson. “Liam was a godsend. He did a lot of research for me. He has a Russian model as a friend who speaks English in a certain kind of way. He recorded her voice and I spent time listening to her. I didn’t want to make the accent too ‘meerkat’ because that’s going slightly too far. Instead I wanted to give her an aristocratic tone so it wasn’t incomprehensible or laughable. “During the filming of the wedding reception there were a couple of Russian speakers. I started speaking to them and asked them if my accent was ok. It was good housekeeping, and I got a seal of approval so that was good!” 13 Zoë’s credits include: Agatha Christie’s Poirot; Wodehouse in Exile; My Week with Marilyn; My Family; Harry Potter films; Five Children and It; Doctor Who; The Old Curiosity Shop. 14 Sacha Parkinson is Connie Hawkins Ex-­‐Corrie star Sacha Parkinson reveals she was a huge fan of Mr Selfridge before joining the new series as Kitty Edwards’ fiery younger sister, Connie Hawkins. “It’s amazing to be part of Mr Selfridge because I had watched the show from the very first series and really loved it. It’s a show my family and friends are massive fans of too. They were already avid watchers before I was cast in the series and I really like that they are true fans, and won’t just be watching because I am in it. “It’s a bonus to be stepping into something with a massive fan base around it. I think it’s an amazing thing to be part of and I feel very lucky. “I love period dramas. It’s interesting to see a piece of our history and even though a lot of them are based on historical facts, there's still something magical and fairy-­‐tale in their style. I think they are so beautiful, in particular the costumes!” Sacha shot to fame at the age of 16 playing Sian Powers in Coronation Street. Since leaving the cobbles in 2011, she has gone on to star in dramas such as The Mill, By Any Means and The Driver. Speaking about her blooming career and aspirations Sacha says: “Filming a drama like Mr Selfridge is so different to Corrie. The pace is a lot slower and there aren’t so many scenes shot in one day, which allows more time for creativity. But I love soaps because they have roots and are easy to watch. For me it’s a nice contrast. As an actress I enjoy different experiences and every set is a different experience. “I think if you’re rooted to one place for so long, you can exhaust the experience and it can become a happy routine. I’m looking to keep on working on different projects and exploring different characters. I love meeting so many types of people and by taking on new roles I can never lack new material and influences, which is great.” 15 In Mr Selfridge, Sacha plays Connie Hawkins, who is introduced to audiences as the sister of Selfridge’s Head of Beauty, Kitty. Kitty has come a long way since starting her career at the store and is now married to journalist and author Frank Edwards. When we meet Connie, it’s clear Kitty and Frank have concerns about Connie’s troublesome and carefree attitude, particularly when it comes to her job in Selfridge’s loading bay. “Connie is an unrefined fireball of energy,” says Sacha about her new character. “Her attitude towards the world is the polar opposite to that of Kitty. She is a real tomboy and totally fearless. She is straight talking, confident, and unaware of other people’s standing in society. “Connie is so different to her sister. Her manner puts Kitty and Frank on edge because they never know what she is going to do or say on a day-­‐to-­‐day basis. “When I took on the role it took me a while to figure out if Connie is so stubborn and abrupt to people because she is uneducated as to how to behave in high society, or whether she just genuinely doesn’t give a damn what people think of her! But as the series progresses, she adapts to her new lifestyle, learns to like people and gradually becomes more ladylike. “Connie is so fun to play because she is such a huge character with a lot of personality. She doesn’t stand for any rubbish and certainly wouldn’t be intimated by anybody. She can also be really sweet, even though sometimes her actions get her in trouble.” Sacha continues: “Connie works in the Selfridge’s loading bay as one of the women employed when the men were off at war. It’s now 1919 and the ex-­‐servicemen have returned to their jobs, working alongside the women. Connie hates the fact she is being told what to do by men who haven’t been there in a long time and don’t know what is what. She will not be told she is in the wrong and patronised by men. “I can imagine that when the men came back to reclaim their jobs it must have been upsetting for women to be pushed to one side and looked on as second best. It shouldn’t have been like that. In the story the issue is only touched upon for a couple of episodes with Connie’s character because as soon as she realises there is nothing she can do she moves on and eventually claims another role in the store.” When the women have to leave their jobs in the loading bay, Connie is lucky enough to gain a job in the store is an assistant in the fashion department, working with Miss Mardle. “Kitty helps Connie get a job in fashion,” explains Sacha. “It’s good for her, especially seeing as at the beginning of the series she has a lot of energy and it could have been risky to put her on the shop floor in fashion when they didn’t know how she would be with customers or what trouble she might cause next. 16 “I think it is great for Connie’s journey to be put on the shop floor in fashion, right in the mix of it all. You can see her really mature. She doesn’t lose any of her bolshiness, but she definitely finds something that she’s is good at and has an interest in. “Miss Mardle really takes Connie under her wing. She has a natural talent for sales and Miss Mardle nurtures that. They develop a really nice partnership, which is so lovely to see. Connie has someone to keep her on the ground and focussed.” Sacha spent much of her time on set filming on the main shop floor in Selfridge’s fashion department. So, did Sacha enjoy being surrounded by the latest fashion trends from 1919? “I came straight onto Mr Selfridge from the set of The Mill, another period drama. For that drama I was covered head to toe in dirt as it was set in a grimy period about the industrial revolution. Therefore, even though Connie is far from glamorous in comparison to other characters, she felt glamorous to me. “Walking onto the set of Mr Selfridge for the first time was amazing. The shop floor sets are beautifully designed. All the clothes look stunning, as do the actors in costume. “It’s lovely to go into work and get made up. It took me about 40 minutes in hair and make-­‐up because I had to wear a hair-­‐piece at the back. Connie’s costumes are quite confortable for the period. She wears an ankle length skirt and a blouse.” Sacha continues: “If I could have kept anything from costume it would have been a pretty clip that sits around the collar like a tie. I would definitely wear that today with a nice shirt. I also really liked some of the period jewellery we used. “If I had the chance I would love to live in that period of time. I think everyone looked so clean cut and elegant. My style is far from elegant – I tend to wear trainers, hoodies and a bomber jacket or denim. Much of the time I look like I closed my eyes and picked things out of my wardrobe!” laughs Sacha. Sacha admits she enjoys shopping in Selfridges in London and in her home city of Manchester. “Selfridges is a shop I go in regularly. There’s a massive one in The Trafford Centre and another in Manchester close to where I live. When I was filming Mr Selfridge I went into the one on Oxford Street. I thought the one in Manchester was big enough but the one in London is absolutely huge! “I really enjoyed going to Selfridges. I can’t believe the main structure is still there after all these years. The store has stood the test of time, which is an amazing thing. “I stood in the store and thought, ‘I’m filming how the store began’. It was really surreal and fascinating. 17 “Harry Selfridge achieved so much and it’s interesting to learn about his life and how it all began. He was a very modern man with modern ideas, so brave and positive. The whole experience for me has been a real history lesson that I’ve really enjoyed.” Sacha’s credits include: My Mad Fat Diary; Homeboys; Truckers; Fright Night 2; The Crash; Casualty; Survivors; Shameless. 18 Kelly Adams is Nancy Webb Seasoned actress Kelly Adams bursts onto our screens as Harry Selfridge’s new business partner and love interest in the new series of Mr Selfridge. Kelly, who is well known for her previous roles as con woman Emma Kennedy in Hustle and midwife Mickie Hendrie in Holby plays the charismatic Nancy Webb, a business woman determined to get Harry Selfridge’s attention. “The real Harry Selfridge had an egg timer on his desk and as soon as anybody came in it would count down 15 minutes. “We are introduced to Nancy when she insists on seeing Harry in his office. He’s taken aback by her very forward manner, but agrees to give her exactly five minutes to convince him. She confronts him about a piece of land he’s rumoured to want to bid for at an auction in order to build an aerodrome with his son-­‐in-­‐law. “Nancy wants to build homes for heroes – for men returned from war and their families. The piece of land is perfect for her project and she needs an investor. Harry could be the right man if she plays her cards right and he likes her idea.” Nancy is determined to prove to Harry she is serious about building social housing for heroes returned from war. It doesn’t take Harry long to recognise her passion and support her 100%, even to the determent of his own finances. Reveals Kelly: “There was a huge shortage of housing in London for veterans coming back from war. They were often on the streets, with nowhere to go and no jobs to earn money. Nancy’s vision is clear, and she’s a bright, intelligent woman. Harry believes in her and agrees to work with her to help finance the housing project. “After their first meeting Harry goes to her house, which is incredibly bold of him. Harry’s usually embroiled in stocks and shares, and hard business, but with Nancy’s housing project he sees something simple and good. It’s non-­‐profit but it will help a lot of people.” 19 As the housing project gathers pace, the pair grow closer in their affections…but have we learnt all there is to know about Nancy Webb? “There’s a glint of interest between Nancy and Harry from the first meeting but she’s not interested in getting involved with him. “Harry is drawn to her because her ideas and determination remind him of his late wife Rose. I think she echoes Rose in that she comes across as good and sweet and wanting to help those less fortunate. Her plans are similar to those Rose once had as Rose wanted to build cottages for artistes in Chicago. Harry feels that Rose would approve of Nancy’s work. He thinks she’s interesting, ambitious. “It was interesting for me to play Nancy as I didn’t know straight away which direction my character was going to take as the series progressed. There’s definitely more to her than meets the eye! And even though she isn’t interested in getting involved with Harry, he is very charming and eventually she gives herself to him, and into the possibility that all he can offer could be her new life.” The new series of Mr Selfridge is set in 1919, straight after the Great War when Britain and its people suffered change. Kelly researched this important time in British history to help her prepare for her role as Nancy. “I read lots of books on World War One as research for Mr Selfridge,” says Kelly. “One of the books was called The Great Silence and is about the years straight after the war, which is a moment in time a lot of people don’t tend to know much about. I found it was absolutely fascinating. The part that fascinated me most was about the women at home and what their lives were like – from affairs, to news of loved ones, the affects on people’s relationships due to metal scars, depression and post-­‐
traumatic stress syndrome. “It was also interesting to learn about and women’s work ethics. After the war women were starting to have careers and work, because they’d been given the opportunity whilst the men were at war. “Still, at that time to have an education with a degree was almost unheard of for a woman. My character, Nancy, reveals to Harry that she has a degree in architecture and social science. She’s also unmarried. She’s incredibly modern and driven for her time. It was a great thing for me to play in a period drama.” Kelly came into star in the series already being a big fan of the show. “I have watched all of Mr Selfridge. I love it and I love the story of it. For me it’s a joy to watch something so beautiful and glossy. When I found out I was going to play Nancy I was very excited to be cast in it. On that first day I couldn’t believe the size of the cast, it was massive! And it’s a lovely working environment.” 20 On Kelly’s first day on set she wanted to establish a good working relationship with co-­‐star Jeremy Piven, knowing they would be spending a lot of time together during much of the six months it takes to film the 10 part series. “Jeremy and I had to have a connection immediately, because we share a lot of scenes together and get very close! The first thing I said to him on set was a very dirty joke about a scene. It could have gone down wrong, but he burst out in hysterics. From that point onwards we got on well. We laugh and we’re very silly together. Jeremy’s incredibly good at doing impersonations and has some great stories from Hollywood, he knows everyone who’s anyone.” Kelly reveals she worked with costume designer, James Keast to create eye-­‐catching outfits to highlight Nancy’s growing confidence as her relationship with Harry blossoms. Says Kelly: “James [Keast} was keen to signify there was something slightly different about Nancy through her costumes. He made the necklines just an inch lower then you’d expect, and used movement in the clothes, or buttons or bits of fabric that catch the eye in a subtle way. All those things create a bit of sparkle, and little hints to the audience to suggest there is something different about her. “It’s interesting to see how her clothes change throughout the series too. At the beginning her clothes are more of a Mary Poppins-­‐style, or what you’d expect a schoolteacher would wear; dark and plain. But even those have a little hint of something extra on them. “As the story moves on her clothes become a lot more extravagant. She allows Harry to dress her and she allows herself to enter his fashionable, modern world. All the colours she wears change to duck egg blues, or more relaxing and fashionable styles. “The clothes are made to make you feel really dainty, neat and feminine. It’s great as they make you stand in a certain way and behave in a certain way, which is hard as these days we are so used to being utterly comfortable in jeans and flat shoes! “To begin with I had to wear a complete wig which was really long, wrapped up very neatly. But later into the series my hair was chopped off and curled into a very fashionable bob. Something like that would have been a really big deal to do in those days. Quite daring, particularly as the proper bob didn’t come in until later in the ‘20s.” Kelly’s favourite piece of Nancy’s costume is an of-­‐the-­‐era fashionable coat that she’d like to own for herself. “I absolutely love this wonderful calf-­‐length coat that is late teens/early 20s. It’s kind of like a giant bat-­‐wing slouchy cardigan but would have been worn as a fashionable, luxurious and warm coat. I took one look at it and said, ‘can I buy this afterwards?!’ 21 It’s just fantastic, it would go with everything and I love it because it’s so comfortable and knitted.” Kelly’s credits include: Bluestone 42; Endeavour; Death in Paradise; The Town; The Cricklewood Greats; My Last Five Girlfriends; The Boxer; Bronson. 22 Leon Ockenden is Serge De Bolotoff When Leon Ockenden was cast in the new series of Mr Selfridge, the first thing he chose to do was visit the iconic Selfridges store on Oxford Street. “I went into Selfridges on a pilgrimage after I got the job,” says Leon, who is well known for his previous roles in hit TV dramas such as Waterloo Road and Heartbeat. “I just wanted to stand there, feel the walls and get a sense of the place and how it’s evolved over time. It’s an amazing place. “The great thing about Harry Selfridge is that he was a pioneer. He came from nothing. I came into this series as a genuine fan, after watching the first two series. I love that it shows the history and the birth of how we shop today. We take it for granted that we go into shops and see the displays, pick things out we want. What’s brilliant about watching the show is seeing that it wasn’t always so. Harry Selfridge put the customer front and centre, valuing each and every one. And he made shopping an experience. Going into Selfridge’s today it’s still like that, and quite an exciting place to be.” In Mr Selfridge, Leon plays Serge De Bolotoff. We are introduced to the dashing Russian prince and aspiring aviator in the first episode when he marries Harry Selfridge’s eldest daughter, Rosalie. “I’ve been having lots of fun. I was ecstatic from the moment the phone call came in saying, “Do you fancy playing a Russian prince?” My whole family, including my wife Vanessa and my mother-­‐in-­‐law are really pleased for me. My stock has never been higher!”, laughs Leon. “Serge is quite a character! He’s very To the Manor Born, a real playboy aristocrat who’s been indulged by his mother all of his life. I think it’s wonderful to play someone who has such a high opinion of himself. It’s a great starting point with a character because you know they’re going to have to do some learning in order to get on in life.” 23 Leon continues: “What’s interesting is that Serge is a real life person. He’s a Russian prince but there is some argument as to how authentic their lineage is, especially with his mother’s claims and the break up of Russia. “His real loves are flying, champagne and women, and he doesn’t love many things, really. “When it comes to Rosalie and their marriage, I don’t think he knows how much he’s being steered by his mother. His mother probably knew that it was time to get married because he’s of the right age and as a family they’re at the height of their prestige. “It’s a match that works both ways, Rosalie is a very attractive woman and she’s from good breeding. But I think their marriage is also motivated by money. It becomes apparent quite early on that Serge and his mother have money problems although they wish to hide it.” Not long after Harry Selfridge proudly walks his daughter Rosalie down the aisle in lavish ceremony, cracks begin to appear. It’s clear Harry has reservations, and knows little about the new additions to his family. Explains Leon: “The Selfridge family have been in mourning following the death of Rose. The marriage between Serge and Rosalie has happened very quickly, in a whirlwind. But very quickly Harry starts to think, ‘who have I let my daughter marry? I didn’t vet this man properly.’ “Serge definitely has an inflated sense of self. He is so in love with his ideas, and can’t understand why Harry, as his father-­‐in-­‐law, wouldn’t want to back him when he tries to forge ahead with his business proposition – to invest in land for an aerodrome and build a plane for commercial use. “Commercial air flights were definitely the future, so Serge’s at the forefront, the vanguard, of modern technology at that time. He’s definitely got big ambitions. Even at nineteen he announced that he wanted to be the first person to fly over the channel, before Louis Bleriot. “Harry is quick to stymie Serge, which causes on-­‐going friction. Because as far as Serge’s concerned he’s sharing in the future. And for all intents and purposes, Serge is definitely right. “Serge and Rosalie end up living under Harry’s roof in the Selfridge home. It’s bound to be tricky for any newly married couple living with their in-­‐laws. But to make things more difficult, Serge crosses paths with Harry’s old rival, Lord Loxley…and that leads to more trouble!” 24 Playing Harry Selfridge’s son-­‐in-­‐law meant Leon had many scenes with co-­‐star Jeremy Piven, who plays the American entrepreneur and owner of the iconic London store. “My first scene was head to head with Jeremy, in Harry’s office,” reveals Leon. “I’ve known lots of Jeremy’s work from long before he was a star in films, and in Entourage. I’ve always been a fan of his. “There’s a quote by Plato which is, ‘you learn more in an hour’s play with someone than you do in a year’s worth of conversation’, and I tell you that summed up my first experience working with Jeremy. He is mesmeric to work with, so organic.” As a Russian prince, you might expect Serge to have a Russian accent like his mother, Princess Marie. However, this prince went to Eton and speaks perfect English. But this didn’t stop Leon from deciding to study the complex language and injecting a few Russian phases into the dialogue for authenticity. “Serge doesn’t have an accent – he went to Eton,” explains Leon. “He was educated in England and would have been totally bilingual. “We first meet Serge in Mr Selfridge at his wedding. At the wedding there would obviously be other Russian people. Therefore, I thought it would work well to address certain people trying out Russian words. So I started to learn Russian! “It’s a brilliant language to learn. The great thing about the alphabet is that it’s entirely phonetic, but you’ve got a lot of false friends; letters that look similar but are a completely different sound. It’s a challenge, particularly as the placement is so far back -­‐ I guess this is because it’s cold and you don’t want to speak too much or put too much moisture on your lips or they’re going to freeze together! “I learnt to ride a motorbike for my last job, and never thought I’d be learning Russian at the beginning of this year! But the fact that I get to do it and call it work is amazing.” Leon did some of his Russian work with co-­‐star Zoë Wanamaker, who plays his on screen mother, Princess Marie. “Zoë’s character does have an accent in the show so we often practiced Russian dialect work together. We also use some words when our characters are together, exchanged between mother and son. The way we use Russian is at moments of heightened emotion. There’s a really good word in Russian that basically means ‘little brat’. In one scene Serge is being disrespectful to Harry and she uses it to call him into line. So, having starred in series 3 of Mr Selfridge, would Leon like to come back for a fourth series? 25 “Hell yeah! The thing I’ve enjoyed so much about being on the show is you’re around all these top actors and you get to learn so much. I’d happily work with Zoë every day for the rest of my life until I die. She’s amazing, wonderfully detailed and very precise. She’s also really fun, and always has such a naughty gleam in her eye! And then there’s Kara and Hannah, who I adore. I want to propose to their mum and dad that they adopt me, and we form a pop band, the Tointettes!” Leon’s credits include: The Cosmonaut: Transmedia Experience; Best Possible Taste: The Kenny Everett Story; Red Tails; The Runaway; New Tricks; Secret Diary of a Call Girl; Tripping Over. 26 Hannah Tointon is Violette Selfridge Hannah Tointon joins the cast of Mr Selfridge as Harry Selfridge’s fiery daughter, Violette. Hannah takes on the role alongside her sister and fellow actress Kara Tointon, playing siblings for the very first time in their flourishing careers. “It’s so lovely having Kara on set,” says Hannah. “We were a little worried about doing the series together because we’d never crossed that path before, but actually just having that reassurance and familiar presence on set is lovely. “It’s been a really great experience. Also it’s worked well playing sisters as I’m sure with anyone else, you’d have to have a bond or spend time creating it. Hopefully it shows on screen that we have a natural sisterly bond. We are very easy in each other’s company, and that’s what I hope we bring to the roles.” In the new series it’s 1919 and both Selfridge sisters have come of age, but couldn’t be more different. Violette is headstrong with a rebellious streak, whereas Rosalie is perceptive and calm, and as the eldest daughter, beginning to take on a more motherly role since the passing of Rose. “They’re finding it hard following the death of their mother Rose. There’s a strain running through the family as a whole. Although Harry remains the pillar, they are all trying to find their roles again, because the dynamic has completely changed. Rosalie is taking the role of the mother, as the sensitive and sensible one, but I think Violette is really struggling. She clashes with her father, out of frustration more than anything, because she can’t seem to find her place.” Speaking about her character, Hannah says: “Violette is definitely a little bit of a rebel. She’s pushing boundaries and she’s at that age where she just wants to have fun. “In that period women were always straight-­‐laced, but young girls are young girls at the end of the day, and she’s trying to find out who she is and become a woman. She wants excitement. 27 “She’s also eager to help out, she just doesn’t want to stay at home and not do anything. She wants to be in the store and working, like a modern woman of the age, but her dad doesn’t want her to because of her place in society. That is when we see it bubble over and she starts to rebel.” In episode two of the series, Violette creates an opportunity for herself at Selfridge’s in the fashion department, showing true Selfridge panache and flair. Says Hannah: “Harry’s very against her doing anything for work. Instead Harry is very much behind Gordon, Violette’s brother, who is working in the store. Violette won’t take no for an answer though, and goes behind his back to do a little bit of modelling for a fashion show in the store. She’s really creative and comes up with the concept, which is a real hit. It’s clear she has her father’s spark in that way. Harry is impressed but still won’t allow her to have a permanent job. Father and daughter are at loggerheads and Violette is frustrated at constantly being batted down.” Violette begins spending a lot of time at Colleano’s the club run by ex-­‐Palm Court manager and Selfridge employee, Victor Colleano. “Someone enters her life who is not the most appropriate person or someone her father would approve of her being with – Victor Colleano,” reveals Hannah. “But that just sums up what she’s about. She’s not pretentious; she doesn’t look down on anyone. “She doesn’t really want to be restrained, or want to conform. I think she’s drawn to people who are free. She wants to be like them but because of her role in her family she can’t. “Also, I think she’s clever in knowing that just because somebody’s the right match doesn’t mean it’s going to be perfect or their life is going to be rosy or plain sailing. She’s seen the way her father treated her mother when she was growing up. And now, she’s beginning to see it again between Rosalie and Serge. “What’s interesting is that although Harry Selfridge owns a huge store and is famous for doing so, behind closed doors he has this family that he can’t really control. It’s fascinating to see in this series how he balances those two major things in his life, and doesn’t always get it right.” When Hannah signed up for her role in Mr Selfridge, she spent time finding out about the life of the real Harry Gordon Selfridge. Says Hannah: “When I did my research and found out what happened to Harry I just couldn’t believe it! He didn’t even have a tombstone in the end. Not a penny to his name. It’s really sad. 28 “In our series, it’s sad because you’re almost willing him not to follow that path. Yet because it’s based on fact and we have to show that. It’s hard to see somebody who is so great and watching them fall. “By the end of this series the audience will start seeing his demise and how it affects his whole family. It’ll be intriguing to see where it goes from there..!” On set Hannah had to work closely with Jeremy Piven, who plays her father in the title role. “Jeremy was a very good father figure! He was so welcoming, and that means a lot. He’s the heart of the show, and a really generous actor to work with. “I had a ball filming Mr Selfridge. Our whole Selfridge family unit got on so well, it made the job easy. We had a lot of fun filming many of the large dinner scenes. Leon is so funny and kept us laughing throughout.” Hannah is no stranger to period drama having starred in hit TV shows such as Penny Dreadful, The Hour, and Call the Midwife. So, does she enjoy stepping back in time and donning a vintage frock? “I love dressing up,” reveals Hannah. “It really gets you into character. And when you see everyone else dressed up too, you’re just instantly transported to 1919 and Selfridge’s straight after the war. “Every time I have a new scene, I’m excited about what I’m going to wear. James Keast is a fantastic costume designer on Mr Selfridge. Some of the evening dresses he’s created for me are absolutely stunning. I feel like a million dollars in them, so beautiful.” But despite enjoying dressing up son set, Hannah’s not so sure about making a habit of it in this day and age! “The amount of time it would take you, can you imagine? And the hair! I don’t know how they did it. I’m in makeup for one and a half hours, and then I have to get into my costume…It must have been exhausting for the women of that time. You’d get to the end of the day and need a week’s rest before going anywhere!” Hannah is a keen shopper and often finds herself in Selfridges. Says Hannah: “I’m always in Selfridges. I was there recently with Kara and she was trying to figure out the floor plan compared to our set in Neasden. Kara was saying wouldn’t it be funny if you could just click your fingers and go back and see all the history? It’s astounding when you think about it. I definitely feel proud when I’m in there; proud to be a part of this series and showing how it all came to be.” Hannah’s credits include: Captain Webb; Death in Paradise; Walking with the Enemy; The Lost Future; Switch; The Children; The Inbetweeners; Hollyoaks. 29 Kara Tointon is Rosalie Selfridge The first episode of new series of Mr Selfridge has an unmissable event; the high society wedding of Harry Selfridge’s eldest daughter, Rosalie, to the handsome and aspiring aviator, Prince Serge De Bolotoff. Kara Tointon takes on the role as Rosalie, and explains what it was like filming the spectacular wedding at St Paul’s church in Knightsbridge. “It was a really enjoyable experience,” says Kara. “It was one of my first scenes on Mr Selfridge, and we filmed at a beautiful church. I must have walked up and down the aisle a hundred times by the time we’d finished! I remember there were thousands of flowers everywhere, so it was really special. The cast of Mr Selfridge is massive and almost all of them were there for the wedding scenes. “We tried a lot of different wedding dresses, but in the end the dress I wore was made from scratch. It was so beautiful, made from silk with a long train. It was a classic design, very simple and elegant, perfect for 1919. I loved it. “The whole wedding was stunning. It felt like I got married for real. I don’t feel like I could top it!” Kara reveals she had an absolute ball filming Mr Selfridge! “I love period dramas – you could say I’m a big period drama junkie. In the last couple of years, I have felt more comfortable going for parts in period pieces. There’s a style to it that I really like. “I had such a fantastic six months filming the series. It was great to go into a show that’s so established, and to star in something I was already really fond of. “This is now the third series so the audience are invested in the characters and have got to know everyone. It can be quite daunting going into something where the cast 30 and crew have been there quite a while, but everyone was so welcoming and it’s a wonderful cast.” The experience of filming Mr Selfridge was made all the more special for Kara, as her sister Hannah was cast alongside her to play Violette Selfridge, Rosalie’s mischievous younger sister. “We are sisters so we are incredibly close and Hannah is my closest friend too. Being at work together isn’t something we are used to. It was slightly bizarre and did take some getting used to because normally you see your family in the context of being at home. Once we got used to it, it was so comfortable and enjoyable and we had such a good time together. “Most of our time on screen is separate but it was nice when we had scenes together. Because we are so comfortable with each other it made our scenes together really easy.” Kara had to work closely with Jeremy Piven, who plays her father Harry Selfridge in the series. “Jeremy was fantastic. He’s got this great energy and wants everyone to be his or her best. It’s really nice when people are team players. He’s really good at putting you at ease and making you feel comfortable.” The third series of Mr Selfridge starts with the sombre funeral of Rose Selfridge who was the heart of the Selfridge home. Rose’s death has a deep affect on the whole family, who must try to adjust to her absence. As the eldest daughter, Rosalie naturally adopts the motherly role, as Kara explains. “Rosalie is the eldest of the children. She is very much like her mother. Rose was a very cultured, artistic, and quite soft in manner. Rosalie has all those characteristics. She is also someone who is quite introverted and soft. “Equally, she is strong-­‐willed and can be the rock for the family when she needs to be. She was incredibly close to her mother and really struggles with her loss, but when she gets married she has to take responsibility and step up to be a role model in the Selfridge home.” The wedding of Rosalie and Serge happens just months after Rose’s tragic death. “Rosalie has a whirlwind romance in which she meets a Russian Prince and gets married not long after their meeting,” reveals Kara. “The one person she could really do with advice from is her mother and she’s the one person who is missing. “Initially the audience will worry if Rosalie has made the right decision in marrying Serge, and if Serge has married into the Selfridge family for the right reasons. Serge is 31 incredibly ambitious and forthright, but he also has a lot to learn. They both have to work hard for their marriage. “They say that many women marry a man like their father and this is true for Rosalie. Although Harry had a notorious wandering eye, he and Rose had a really strong bond and loving relationship. Through everything, she was the love of his life. We have to hope it’s the same for Rosalie and Serge. As the series progresses I think the audience will come to see that they do love each other very much and will have a happy long-­‐
lasting marriage.” Harry Selfridge begins to have concerns about his daughter’s choice for a husband just hours after the wedding ceremony. “Harry’s been going through his own grieving process and soon after the wedding happens, he worries that perhaps he hasn’t done enough to get to know this new guy marrying into the family. Harry and Serge also clash over business, which doesn’t help matters. “I think everyone is slightly on edge at the beginning. However, Serge is a nice guy and means well. He loves Rosalie but is just a bit misunderstood. Serge’s family have had their own hardship and their story isn’t quite what it seems because although they have their royal title, they have struggled. Serge has a dream to be successful and looks up to Harry as a self-­‐made businessman. He wants to prove he can do the same.” Before and during the filming of Mr Selfridge, Kara enjoyed researching her character and the real life she shared with husband Serge. “I spent time looking on the Internet at the history of the Selfridge family. There was a lot during the time Selfridges opened in 1909, but not much about the years after and into Harry’s demise. It was interesting for me to learn that Harry eventually went to live with Rosalie and her husband and their daughter. They lived quite a quiet life after the Selfridge Empire collapsed. “Leon, who plays my husband Serge suggested we go to the National Portrait Gallery where there is a picture of Rosalie and Serge’s daughter, Princess Tatiana. Leon and I had just met so it was nice to get to know each other and do some research. “Seeing Tatiana’s portrait really brought it home that we were both playing factual characters in history. I find it makes my job all the more interesting playing a real life character.” Kara also enjoys soaking up the history of Selfridges department store in London whenever she has the opportunity to visit. “Selfridge’s has always been one of my favourite stores. What I love about it is that the store has always retained its uniqueness as a special place to visit. It’s a lovely 32 experience for anyone visiting as you can make a day of it and get everything you need. “Recently, when I have visited Selfridges, I have thought a lot about its history. I’d love to press the rewind button and go back to 1909 to see how it’s changed over time. It gives me a tingle to think about all the history under one roof. “Harry Selfridge was so innovative and a true entrepreneur of his time. His is an amazing story.” Kara’s credits include: Lewis; Last Passenger; The Sweeney; Bedlam; EastEnders; Dream Team; Strictly Come Dancing. 33 Mr Selfridge Series 3 Synopses EPISODE 1 1918 – HARRY and his family are gathered for the funeral of his beloved wife ROSE. As they say their tearful last goodbyes, a grief-­‐stricken HARRY wonders how he will ever get by without her. Nine months later. HARRY has a wedding to attend! HARRY’s eldest daughter, ROSALIE, is to marry renowned Russian aviator SERGE DE BOLOTOFF. At the church, a thronging crowd has gathered to see the arrival of the guests. At the forefront of the lavish event is Russian emigree PRINCESS MARIE, the extravagant and glamorous mother of the groom. As AGNES watches on from the pews she is surprised to find HENRI next to her, recently returned from War. She is overcome and they are delighted to be reunited. After a waiting through a long War, they want to be married as soon as possible. Whilst CRABB worries about the financial implications of hosting the wedding, the reception gets into full swing on Selfridge’s Oxford Street Roof Terrace. But SERGE is drunk, flirting with female guests and pressurising HARRY to invest his aerodrome enterprise – which HARRY isn’t keen to do. HARRY is worried: is this marriage good for the Selfridge family? Meanwhile, we learn that MISS MARDLE is on a special leave of absence from the store after a life-­‐changing event. Head of Cosmetics KITTY EDWARDS and writer FRANK EDWARDS are now happily married, but are stuck KITTY’s younger sister, CONNIE, living with them. Trouble is afoot when HARRY’S nemesis LORD LOXLEY arrives back in town – probing MILES EDGERTON about HARRY’s latest fortunes, debts, credits and business interests… VICTOR COLLEANO is now the proud owner of his own nightclub, Colleano’s, but the right punters aren’t coming in. To boot, VICTOR is paying 10% of his takings to INSPECTOR PURKISS in return for the police turning a blind eye to the sale of alcohol out of legal hours. At the store, soldiers who’ve returned from war have found their jobs taken by women. Women and men are struggling to cooperate. MR GROVE thinks the women should be let go, but HARRY is insistent they are not; they remind him of ROSE. But GEORGE tells MR GROVE that he’s found it hard to settle since returning from France, and hands in his notice. GEORGE decides to go and work for his old mate VICTOR, where they can look out for each other. Rumours of HARRY’s involvement in financing SERGE’s aerodrome have spurred LOXLEY into action. He whisks SERGE away on his wedding morning, introducing himself as a legitimate potential financier for his aerodrome project. Abandoned before her wedding breakfast, an upset ROSALIE comes to the store and tells HARRY, who decides to have them come live with him. He can keep an eye on things that 34 way. PRINCESS MARIE tells Harry she will return to her own flat, but checks into an expensive hotel suite instead -­‐ charging it to HARRY. She’s homeless, and hiding it. Newcomer NANCY WEBB comes to Selfridge’s and demands a meeting with HARRY. Armed with plans for a housing estate for former War servicemen, NANCY is planning to use the same piece of land in Acton SERGE has earmarked for his aerodrome. She implores HARRY not to buy this land; rumours of his interest are pushing the price up. She’s worried she’ll lose her backer, LORD MEADOWES – and leaves HARRY with food for thought. He remembers how ROSE had a similar housing project in Chicago… HENRI and AGNES finally have their moment of happiness and are wed. But later, HENRI is shocked and shaken by the ghostly apparitions of fellow French soldiers lost in War. AGNES catches a distressed-­‐looking HENRI, who insists nothing is the matter. Later that night, HARRY finds ROSE’s discarded plans for homes in her studio. With NANCY WEBB’s words in his mind and ROSE’s plans in hand, he heads to the vast expanse of land in Acton where the idea for an entirely new project begins to form. If there’s anyone who can pull it off, it’s HARRY SELFRIDGE. EPISODE 2 Selfridge’s is hosting the biggest, most exclusive fashion event since the war. MADAME LANVIN is showcasing her new collection at the store, and if all goes well, HARRY could secure an exclusive contract with her. Meanwhile, HARRY visits NANCY WEBB. He tells her that this project reminds him of one his beloved late wife ROSE once did, and that he’s going to bid for the field. NANCY is thrilled. HARRY instructs MR CRABB to convene a Selfridge’s Board meeting as soon as possible. If he’s to pursue this charitable housing project, he’ll need an interest free loan from the store. But CRABB is privately concerned that a charitable housing project may be a step too far… MADAME LANVIN’S Creative Director, MONSIEUR LONGCHAMP, inspects MR THACKERAY’S fashion displays and is less than impressed. HENRI and AGNES are drafted back early from honeymoon to help, bringing an inevitable clash between THACKERAY and HENRI. When HARRY weighs in, THACKERAY loses control and lambasts HARRY for being distracted and taking his eye off the ball since Mrs Selfridge died. HARRY fires THACKERAY -­‐ leaving HENRI and AGNES to pick up the pieces. The rowdy EX-­‐SERVICEMEN who’ve been hanging around outside the store turn up at VICTOR’S club, flogging cut-­‐price cigarettes. VICTOR and GEORGE know them; they were in the same wartime regiment. GEORGE reminds VICTOR that one of them, CHARLIE COPPERSTONE, has always been bad news. VICTOR drives a hard bargain, getting a good deal on the cigarettes – which isn’t unnoticed by INSPECTOR PURKISS. 35 At the Selfridge house, LOIS discovers that PRINCESS MARIE has been lying about her apartment, charging her massive hotel bill to HARRY. PRINCESS MARIE puts another spanner in the works by suggesting that ROSE’S old painting studio be used as an office for SERGE, leaving VIOLETTE horrified. VIOLETTE is feeling suffocated at home, and pleads with HARRY to give her a job at the store – which he refuses. But when VIOLETTE overhears AGNES and HENRI struggling to be ready in time for the Lanvin event, she offers to help out. She has a show-­‐stopping idea that might just impress! SERGE gives HARRY one last chance to invest in his aviation project, which HARRY declines. When SERGE reveals that LOXLEY is his new investor, HARRY stridently warns SERGE off – but SERGE is stubborn and won’t listen. HARRY is left furious and troubled; he knows LOXLEY can only be bad news. At the Board meeting, HARRY expects his housing project plans to be rubberstamped -­‐ but CRABB makes a surprising intervention. Undeterred, HARRY vows to NANCY that he’ll raise the money, come what may, and announces the project to his family as a lasting legacy to their beloved ROSE. HENRI continues to struggle with his return to normal life after the War, the shadow of which is still cast over MISS MARDLE. After FLORIAN’S death at the end of the conflict, MISS MARDLE feels a changed woman. Kindling a new friendship with MR GROVE’S wife and her former Accessories assistant DORIS, MISS MARDLE makes a decision not to return to the store. She can’t go backwards – not to Accessories. But when MR GROVE begs her to return as Head of Fashion after THACKERAY’S departure, a gracious MISS MARDLE accepts. A return to the store she knows and loves -­‐ but in a new role -­‐ could be exactly what she needs. EPISODE 3 Standing proud on the roof terrace of Selfridge’s, HARRY announces the launch of the store’s biggest beauty event to the press. KITTY is literally on top of the world as she assists HARRY, presenting her best side to photographers before releasing balloons with gift vouchers to mark the spectacular event. On the back of the successful Beauty event, KITTY sees an opportunity and boldly plays the family card -­‐ convincing HARRY to give CONNIE a job assisting MISS MARDLE. In store, MISS MARDLE has breathed new life into the fashion department. GORDON congratulates GRACE on her appointment as Head of Accessories and is chuffed when she accepts his friendly proposal to celebrate. HARRY gives the surplus female staff an emotional, personal farewell. As the dismissed women start to leave Selfridge’s, loitering ex-­‐servicemen outside the store CHARLIE and SILAS overhear MISS ELLIS remarking to CONNIE that she’ll never find work this good again. A disgruntled CHARLIE comments that she should go back and keep house! Societal tension between demobbed soldiers and workingwomen is very much alive. 36 HARRY has raised the cash for the Selfridge Estate housing project himself, successfully securing a personal loan of £30,000. A confident HARRY is in his element as he bids for land at auction, but is shocked when LOXLEY bids against him -­‐ pushing the price sky high. HARRY is enraged by LOXLEY’s presence and warns him to keep away from his affairs -­‐ but LOXLEY isn’t deterred. HARRY finds out that SERGE told LOXLEY about his intention to bid for the field and is furious. He confronts SERGE for spilling confidential information, but SERGE is unrepentant. Meanwhile, AGNES is still worried about HENRI. She tries to talk to him, but he’s dismissive of her concerns. Frustrated, AGNES takes matters into her own hands and approaches VICTOR for some insight. VICTOR tells her that she can’t even begin to imagine what HENRI has experienced in War, leaving AGNES even more concerned about HENRI’S state of mind. Later, AGNES is blown away by HENRI’S window display – it’s stunning. She feels like he might be back to his old self. However, when HENRI catches her making some last minute finishing touches, he erupts out of nowhere. A huge public row between them ensues – in the Selfridge’s window! Could AGNES and HENRI’s marriage be in trouble? NANCY is thrilled that HARRY managed to buy the land, and surprised when he offers her a paid position as Manager of the project. HARRY and NANCY grow closer as they work on the Selfridge Estate together. HARRY is keen to abandon formalities, and insists that they work on a first name basis… On leaving the store, FRANK sees an opportunity for his new book: on seeing the ex-­‐
servicemen outside the store, he convinces ELSA to let him interview CHARLIE and SILAS in Colleano’s club. As he plies them with more and more drink – out of hours -­‐ their disenfranchisement, bitterness and resentment about life after War becomes clearer and clearer. After the booze-­‐filled interview, CHARLIE and SILAS loiter outside Selfridge’s begging. They are spoiling for a fight, and trouble ensues when KITTY passes by on her way home… ***Please contact the ITV Press office for further synopses*** 37 Cast Credits Harry Selfridge .......................................................................................... JEREMY PIVEN Princess Marie .................................................................................... ZOË WANAMAKER Miss Mardle ................................................................................. AMANDA ABBINGTON Mr Grove ....................................................................................... TOM GOODMAN-­‐HILL Mr Crabb ........................................................................................................ RON COOK Agnes Towler ......................................................................................... AISLING LOFTUS Victor ................................................................................................ TRYSTAN GRAVELLE Henri Leclair ...................................................................................... GRÉGORY FITOUSSI Kitty ...................................................................................................... AMY BETH HAYES Frank Edwards .......................................................................................... SAMUEL WEST Lord Loxley ........................................................................................... AIDAN MCARDLE Nancy ......................................................................................................... KELLY ADAMS Lois Selfridge .......................................................................................... KIKA MARKHAM George Towler ................................................................................ CALUM CALLAGHAN Serge De Bolotoff ................................................................................. LEON OCKENDEN Gordon Selfridge ........................................................................................ GREG AUSTIN Violette Selfridge .............................................................................. HANNAH TOINTON Rosalie Selfridge ...................................................................................... KARA TOINTON Miss Plunkett ......................................................................................... SADIE SHIMMIN Fraser ................................................................................................. MALCOLM RENNIE Grace Calthorpe ....................................................................................... AMY MORGAN Jessie Pertree .............................................................................................. SAI BENNETT Connie Hawkins ................................................................................ SACHA PARKINSON Beatrice Selfridge ..................................................................................... ALANA BODEN Miss Ellis ............................................................................................... RIA ZMITROWICZ Alfie ............................................................................................................. SAM GITTINS Miles Egerton ............................................................................ RAYMOND COULTHARD Doris Grove ............................................................................................. LAUREN CRACE Elsa ............................................................................................................. NAOMI RYAN Mr Thackeray ....................................................................................... CAL MACANINCH 38 Journalist 1 ..................................................................................... MATHEW ASHFORDE Journalist 2 .............................................................................................. JAMIE BRADLEY Doorman (Mr Geoffries) ........................................................................ RAY MACALLAN DI Purkiss ........................................................................................... ROCKY MARSHALL Duke ....................................................................................................... JACK BENJAMIN Journalist 3 ....................................................................................................... MAX GELL Flora .................................................................................................... SOPHIE HOLLAND Polly ..................................................................................................... JESSICA MADSEN French Soldier ................................................................................. EMMAUNEL SUAREZ Telegram Boy ......................................................................................... BRAYD SUGDEN Pierre Longchamp ............................................................................... EDWARD AKROUT Sgt. Charlie Copperstone ................................................................ THOMAS CHRISTIAN Silas Copperstone ........................................................................................ MIKE NOBEL Mrs Crabb ................................................................................... WENDY NOTTINGHAM Madame Lanvin ..................................................................................... BEVERLEY KLEIN Vicar ........................................................................................................... TOM CARTER Bank Manager ..................................................................................... ROGER RINGROSE Auctioneer .............................................................................................. PAUL CLAYTON Hotelier ........................................................................................................ DANIEL FINE Miss Blenkinsop ............................................................................ DEBORAH CORNELIUS Young Man ............................................................................................ CRAIG FLETCHER Priest ..................................................................................................... SIMON ROBERTS Best Man ................................................................................... JAMES SATTERTHWAITE Nurse .......................................................................................................... DENISE HOEY Inspector Johnson .............................................................................. SIMON CHANDLER Mother .................................................................................................... EMMA BEATTIE Tom Gerrard ................................................................................................ JOLYON COY Joe Tooby .............................................................................................. MITCHELL HUNT Lord ............................................................................................................ DAVID PEART Policeman ....................................................................................... CHRISTOPHER BIRKS Poker Player .......................................................................................... CALLUM COATES 39 Colin Regan ............................................................................................ SEAN CAMPION Ryan .................................................................................................. ANDREW MACKLIN Shareholder ....................................................................................... RICHARD RYCROFT Loxley’s Butler ....................................................................................... IAN HOUGHTON Jacques Sibour .................................................................................... XAVIER LEMAITRE Mr Barratt ................................................................................................. JOHN ARTHUR Mr Lowe ............................................................................................... RICHARD BRAINE Mr King ..................................................................................... CHRISTOPHER ETTRIDGE Bank Manager .............................................................................................. JOHN ROWE Jeweller ............................................................................................ CHARLIE BUCKLAND Rosie Dolly ............................................................................................... EMILY KESTON Jenny Dolly ..................................................................................... LAURA-­‐JANE KESTON Prince Carol of Romania ............................................................................ ANTON BLAKE Sir Robert Apsley-­‐Ward ......................................................................... EDMUND KENTE Merchant ................................................................................................. JOSEPH ALESSI Embassy Soldier ................................................................................. AARON VODOVOZ Broker ....................................................................................................... SIMON GREEN 40 Production Credits Executive Producer ....................................................................................... KATE LEWIS Executive Producer & Writer, Episode 1, 4 & 9 ........................................ KATE BROOKE Writer, Episodes 2 & 10 ....................................................................... KATE O’RIORDAN Writer, Episodes 3, 5 & 8 ........................................................................ HELEN RAYNOR Writer, Episode 6 ........................................................................................ MATT JONES Writer, Episode 7 ....................................................................................... JAMES PAYNE Producer ........................................................................................... DOMINIC BARLOW Co-­‐Producer ............................................................................................... BEN RIMMER Director, Episodes 1, 2, 3 .............................................................................. ROB EVANS Director, Episodes 4 & 5 .............................................................. ROBERT DEL MAESTRO Director, Episodes 6 & 7 .............................................................................. JOSS AGNEW Director, Episodes 8, 9 & 10 .................................................................... LAWRENCE TILL Director of Photography, Episodes 1, 2, 3, 6 & 7 ....................................... TOBY MOORE Director of Photography, Episodes 4, 5, 8, 9 & 10 ........................ ANTHONY COLDWELL Production Designer ............................................................................ CANDIDA OTTON Costume Designer ...................................................................................... JAMES KEAST Hair and Make-­‐Up Designer .............................................................. MARELLA SHEARER Location Manager .................................................................................. DARIN MCLEOD Sound Recordist ........................................................................................... JAMES BAIN Editor, Episodes 1, 2, 3 ........................................................................... TIM MARCHANT Editor, Episodes 4 & 5 ............................................................................... LOIS BYGRAVE Editor, Episodes 6 & 7 ................................................................................... LIZ WEBBER Editor, Episodes 8, 9 & 10 ..................................................................... PAUL ENDACOTT Composer ................................................................................................. CHARLIE MOLE Choreographer ....................................................................................... CAROLINE POPE Voice Coach ........................................................................................... LIAM ROBINSON SFX ........................................................................................................ COLIN GORY SFX VFX .................................................................................................... DOUBLE NEGATIVE Casting Director .................................................................................. DANIEL EDWARDS Casting Director, ITV .................................................................................... JAMES BAIN 41