Mr Selfridge

[alan45]

*
Episode eight:
*
Harry and Rose are hosting a dinner in honour of friends Frank and Jennie Woolworth. There is much Harry has in common with Frank Woolworth - a fellow American retail tycoon and founder of the famous High Street chain. A Woolworth’s store is soon opening in Brixton, and when Frank muses of a possible West End branch – Harry’s feathers become really ruffled.*
*
Harry wants to make a statement in reaffirming that Selfridge’s is open to everyone and anyone – just like Woolworth’s. When he orders spot reductions on different merchandise, Miss Mardle suggests they make an event of it: why don’t they hold a ‘mid-season’ sale? Harry loves the idea. He wants window displays, and to double advertising space. He is convinced that Woolworth is stealing a march on him, and he’s determined to stop him.*
*
Lady Mae is keen to introduce young Rosalie to some eligible young Society men. At first, Rose isn’t sure – she wants Rosalie to marry for love when the time comes, not social position or for money. However, she is soon swayed. Lady Mae is hosting a soiree the next evening, and invites Rosalie along.*
*
After Agnes moved to the Ladies’ Fashion department, Kitty and Doris are left to vie for the vacant position of Senior Assistant in Accessories – and they will soon be interviewed by Mr Grove. As per his promise to Doris – who brought Miss Bunting’s plight to his attention – Grove asks Mr Selfridge if he will consider giving Miss Bunting a reference since she’s fallen on such hard times. But Harry is indignant; he will not give a reference to a dishonest person. Grove breaks this to Doris during her job interview, during which she inadvertently reveals that her main ambition in life is to marry and have a family – which strikes a surprisingly emotional chord with Grove.*
*
Ellen Love makes a surprise visit to the Palm Court, with Tony Travers (Lady Mae’s former lover) on her arm. When they run into Harry, things are awkward - it’s the first time they’ve seen each other since Harry’s accident and Ellen’s overdose. They invite Harry to a new play Tony has written. It opens in a few weeks – and Ellen is starring in it.*
*
Victor has a proposition for Lady Mae. A restaurant has come up in Windmill Street, and he wants her to back him. He makes her delicious Italian ice cream, which she agrees to showcase at her soiree that evening – but she will not back him in his venture. She will not be rushed, and stonewalls him.*
*
Lady Mae’s soiree proves eventful when Harry bumps into Frank Woolworth, who seems to be taking the evening by storm – it’s like he’s really vying for Harry’s crown. Later, Rose gets a shock when she comes upon Rosalie in a quiet room talking to a young man… Roddy Temple! It’s clear Roddy still harbours feelings for Rose, which she is keen to dispel.*
*
Agnes goes for a romantic supper at Henri’s, listens to opera, and is truly swept away by his seductive charm and stays the night. It was her first time. The next morning, Agnes takes him to Spitalfields market to inspire him for the Midseason Sale shop windows. Agnes arrives home to find Victor waiting for her. He feels low after being let down by Lady Mae, and she cheers him up, giving him a new lease of new confidence.*
*
On Sunday morning, the Selfridge family head to church, but Rosalie stays at home claiming illness. When Rose comes back early, she’s angry and perturbed to find Rosalie alone with Roddy – who’s giving her a drawing lesson. Rose questions the propriety of this lesson, throwing Roddy out and asking him to never return.*

[alan45]

*
Episode eight:
*
Harry and Rose are hosting a dinner in honour of friends Frank and Jennie Woolworth. There is much Harry has in common with Frank Woolworth - a fellow American retail tycoon and founder of the famous High Street chain. A Woolworth’s store is soon opening in Brixton, and when Frank muses of a possible West End branch – Harry’s feathers become really ruffled.*
*
Harry wants to make a statement in reaffirming that Selfridge’s is open to everyone and anyone – just like Woolworth’s. When he orders spot reductions on different merchandise, Miss Mardle suggests they make an event of it: why don’t they hold a ‘mid-season’ sale? Harry loves the idea. He wants window displays, and to double advertising space. He is convinced that Woolworth is stealing a march on him, and he’s determined to stop him.*
*
Lady Mae is keen to introduce young Rosalie to some eligible young Society men. At first, Rose isn’t sure – she wants Rosalie to marry for love when the time comes, not social position or for money. However, she is soon swayed. Lady Mae is hosting a soiree the next evening, and invites Rosalie along.*
*
After Agnes moved to the Ladies’ Fashion department, Kitty and Doris are left to vie for the vacant position of Senior Assistant in Accessories – and they will soon be interviewed by Mr Grove. As per his promise to Doris – who brought Miss Bunting’s plight to his attention – Grove asks Mr Selfridge if he will consider giving Miss Bunting a reference since she’s fallen on such hard times. But Harry is indignant; he will not give a reference to a dishonest person. Grove breaks this to Doris during her job interview, during which she inadvertently reveals that her main ambition in life is to marry and have a family – which strikes a surprisingly emotional chord with Grove.*
*
Ellen Love makes a surprise visit to the Palm Court, with Tony Travers (Lady Mae’s former lover) on her arm. When they run into Harry, things are awkward - it’s the first time they’ve seen each other since Harry’s accident and Ellen’s overdose. They invite Harry to a new play Tony has written. It opens in a few weeks – and Ellen is starring in it.*
*
Victor has a proposition for Lady Mae. A restaurant has come up in Windmill Street, and he wants her to back him. He makes her delicious Italian ice cream, which she agrees to showcase at her soiree that evening – but she will not back him in his venture. She will not be rushed, and stonewalls him.*
*
Lady Mae’s soiree proves eventful when Harry bumps into Frank Woolworth, who seems to be taking the evening by storm – it’s like he’s really vying for Harry’s crown. Later, Rose gets a shock when she comes upon Rosalie in a quiet room talking to a young man… Roddy Temple! It’s clear Roddy still harbours feelings for Rose, which she is keen to dispel.*
*
Agnes goes for a romantic supper at Henri’s, listens to opera, and is truly swept away by his seductive charm and stays the night. It was her first time. The next morning, Agnes takes him to Spitalfields market to inspire him for the Midseason Sale shop windows. Agnes arrives home to find Victor waiting for her. He feels low after being let down by Lady Mae, and she cheers him up, giving him a new lease of new confidence.*
*
On Sunday morning, the Selfridge family head to church, but Rosalie stays at home claiming illness. When Rose comes back early, she’s angry and perturbed to find Rosalie alone with Roddy – who’s giving her a drawing lesson. Rose questions the propriety of this lesson, throwing Roddy out and asking him to never return.*

[alan45]

Episode nine:

Agnes is late getting to work having stayed at Henri’s house for the night. She meets Victor on the way into work – does he suspect that she’s got a secret?

Earnest Shackleton meets Harry at the store – he’s here to do a lecture about his expedition – and it’s causing huge excitement.

At the family home, Rosalie receives flowers from Roddy – furious with Roddy, Rose sends them back to him, but this upsets Rosalie. Rose has no choice but to explain the situation to Harry. He’s angry that Roddy has been to their house – and is suspicious of Rose.

At the store, Mr Grove is waiting for the staff to arrive – it’s past nine o’clock and there’s a severe lack of employees ready to start work. Where is everyone? Harry’s getting frustrated when Kitty runs in and explains that they all got stuck on the tube just outside of Bond Street.

Mr Grove hears word from the London Underground – there was a body on the line. It appears Miss Bunting has killed herself and there was a letter addressed to Harry in her purse….

As Harry reads the letter, Gordon asks why he had to sack her. Harry’s forced to re-evaluate his response. Miss Bunting stole from him but he never let her explain why. Harry feels he made a mistake and left one of his own out in the cold. He wants to cover all the costs of Miss Bunting’s funeral.

Later, Frank ‘pops’ by to see Harry. He’s lost his job and he’s hoping that Harry will see to give him a role – Head of Press maybe? But Harry’s distracted, and he’s dismissive to Frank. Frank takes the hint but he’s not happy, and Harry barely notices his friend’s disappointment.

Having found Doris crying over Miss Buntings death, Mr Grove invites her out for a cup of tea. He’s also upset as he feels he should have been able to do more to help her.

Agnes and Henri also talk about the death. There is an intimate moment between them and Henri reaches for Agnes – just at the moment that Miss Ravillious comes into the studio. Later, Miss Ravillious talks to Agnes about her relationship with Henri, asking her outright if she’s in love with him. She urges her to be careful and to think of her career.

Valerie, Henri’s ex, comes to the store and interrupts Agnes and Henri as they work. Agnes gives her subtle blessing to Henri to spend time with Valerie – and she concentrates on getting the window finished for Shackleton.

Meanwhile, Frank goes to see Ellen rehearsing for her new play that Tony has written. Frank tells her that he’s had a run in with Harry too – Ellen takes the opportunity to get his opinion on the new play. She thinks that he’ll find it interesting….

Victor uses his time to surprise Lady Mae at home. She makes it as clear as she can that she won’t be helping Victor out with the restaurant after all. Victor feels foolish – but manages to walk away with dignity – despite Mae’s attempts to seduce him.

Back at the store, Rose and Harry are at the exhibition for Shackleton – but see that Roddy is there talking to Rosalie. Harry threatens Roddy, telling him to never come into contact with his family again – but not before Roddy informs Harry that Rose was in love with him – and that Harry should be more careful about the people that he holds dear…That evening Harry confronts Rose, but she walks away and Harry heads out for a night at the club...

[alan45]

Episode nine:

Agnes is late getting to work having stayed at Henri’s house for the night. She meets Victor on the way into work – does he suspect that she’s got a secret?

Earnest Shackleton meets Harry at the store – he’s here to do a lecture about his expedition – and it’s causing huge excitement.

At the family home, Rosalie receives flowers from Roddy – furious with Roddy, Rose sends them back to him, but this upsets Rosalie. Rose has no choice but to explain the situation to Harry. He’s angry that Roddy has been to their house – and is suspicious of Rose.

At the store, Mr Grove is waiting for the staff to arrive – it’s past nine o’clock and there’s a severe lack of employees ready to start work. Where is everyone? Harry’s getting frustrated when Kitty runs in and explains that they all got stuck on the tube just outside of Bond Street.

Mr Grove hears word from the London Underground – there was a body on the line. It appears Miss Bunting has killed herself and there was a letter addressed to Harry in her purse….

As Harry reads the letter, Gordon asks why he had to sack her. Harry’s forced to re-evaluate his response. Miss Bunting stole from him but he never let her explain why. Harry feels he made a mistake and left one of his own out in the cold. He wants to cover all the costs of Miss Bunting’s funeral.

Later, Frank ‘pops’ by to see Harry. He’s lost his job and he’s hoping that Harry will see to give him a role – Head of Press maybe? But Harry’s distracted, and he’s dismissive to Frank. Frank takes the hint but he’s not happy, and Harry barely notices his friend’s disappointment.

Having found Doris crying over Miss Buntings death, Mr Grove invites her out for a cup of tea. He’s also upset as he feels he should have been able to do more to help her.

Agnes and Henri also talk about the death. There is an intimate moment between them and Henri reaches for Agnes – just at the moment that Miss Ravillious comes into the studio. Later, Miss Ravillious talks to Agnes about her relationship with Henri, asking her outright if she’s in love with him. She urges her to be careful and to think of her career.

Valerie, Henri’s ex, comes to the store and interrupts Agnes and Henri as they work. Agnes gives her subtle blessing to Henri to spend time with Valerie – and she concentrates on getting the window finished for Shackleton.

Meanwhile, Frank goes to see Ellen rehearsing for her new play that Tony has written. Frank tells her that he’s had a run in with Harry too – Ellen takes the opportunity to get his opinion on the new play. She thinks that he’ll find it interesting….

Victor uses his time to surprise Lady Mae at home. She makes it as clear as she can that she won’t be helping Victor out with the restaurant after all. Victor feels foolish – but manages to walk away with dignity – despite Mae’s attempts to seduce him.

Back at the store, Rose and Harry are at the exhibition for Shackleton – but see that Roddy is there talking to Rosalie. Harry threatens Roddy, telling him to never come into contact with his family again – but not before Roddy informs Harry that Rose was in love with him – and that Harry should be more careful about the people that he holds dear…That evening Harry confronts Rose, but she walks away and Harry heads out for a night at the club...

[Perdita]

Episode ten:

Harry’s woken up very early next to a woman. He gets dressed and heads home at dawn. He slides into bed with Rose – but she’s not asleep. Without saying a word, she gets out of bed and leaves Harry alone.

At the store, Henri’s very keen to speak with Harry. But Harry finds Lady Mae already waiting for him in his office. She’s there to tell him that a special friend of hers wants a private shopping spree after hours….King Edward VII.

On the shop floor, Kitty is squealing with delight at Doris’ news – Miss Mardle demands to know what all the fuss is but is shocked to hear that Doris has become engaged to none other than Mr Grove. She immediately goes to him to see if it’s true. It is. He asks to see her later that night to explain.

When Mr Grove later calls on Miss Mardle she acts with dignity as he tells her that she’s the love of his life – and doesn’t see why their arrangement has to end, despite the marriage. She says goodbye, firmly but sadly.


Meanwhile, Henri talks to Agnes – tells her that he’s accepted a job offer from Valerie Maurel’s company in New York. Agnes gives her blessing – he never lied to her and she tells him to follow his heart…

It’s Victor’s birthday – he tells Agnes that she can bring his present to the Palm Court at any time…. She later agrees to meet him and they talk about the last time they were there alone. Victor remembers that he asked her to dance – and Agnes was too shy. This time she accepts and they dance together for the first time…

Preparations are well underway for the King’s arrival. Henri finally gets to speak to Harry and hands in his notice. Harry doesn’t handle it well and asks him to leave immediately. Henri’s taken aback but graceful.

When the King arrives, his shopping expedition is a success. That evening Harry and Rose are invited to be the King’s guests at the first night of a play – but not just any play, it’s Ellen Love’s written by Tony Travers.

At the theatre, Harry goes back-stage to wish Ellen luck. Tony’s there, as is Frank. There’s tension but Harry glosses over it – even when Ellen tells him that he might not like the play.

Back in his seat, Harry publically gets the Royal seal of approval from the King. But as the satirical play starts, it’s clear that both Lady Mae and the Selfridge Family will not enjoy the contents...Humiliation is piled upon Lady Mae and Harry – and Rose is mortified when the play’s venom is directed at her and her liaison with Roddy Temple. Rosalie picks up on the accusation and is appalled. As the play finishes, the audience whisper and snigger and Mae, Harry and Rose are left feeling exposed.

Back at the house, Rosalie flies at Rose. Rose goes to bed alone and Harry is left to his own thoughts as the night wares on. Eventually, Rose comes to speak with Harry...

[Perdita]

Zoe Tapper has revealed that she will not be returning for the second series of ITV period drama Mr Selfridge.

The actress confirmed the news last night (March 10) after the final episode of series one aired.


© PA Images / Ian West/PA Wire
Actress Zoe Tapper


"This is me bidding Ellen Love a fond farewell. It was a blast," she wrote.

"No not back for series 2. Ellen was only ever a one series gal x."

Tapper's character Ellen Love was a love interest throughout the first series for Jeremy Piven's Harry Selfridge. In last night's series finale, Ellen Love gained revenge on Selfridge spurning her romantic advances by taking part in a theatre production that mocked the American businessman.

ITV has already confirmed that Mr Selfridge will be back for another series in 2014, describing the show as "ITV drama at its best".

It is ITV's most-watched new drama since Scott and Bailey launched in 2011.

The second series, which will once again be written by Andrew Davies and his team, will move the story forward to 1914 and the lead-up to World War 1.

Tapper's next project is the movie Blood, which stars Stephen Graham, Brian Cox, Mark Strong and Paul Bettany.

[Perdita]

Katherine Kelly has married her partner Ryan Clark in Las Vegas.

The former Coronation Street actress told Hello that she eloped with the Australian boxer without telling her family.

The couple have been dating for three years, and tied the knot at the Little Church of the West.

She said: "I love people's weddings, but I have never desired a big white wedding for myself.

"We wanted to enjoy the day without all the usual planning and pressure.

"We'd been laughing and joking all day and then suddenly everything seemed to stop and we tried to get the words, 'I do' out without becoming emotional wrecks. It was awesome."

Kelly met Clark in Melbourne, before he moved to be with her in the UK.

She added: "The day was everything we wanted."

Katherine Kelly will return for a second series of Mr Selfridge later this year on ITV.

[Perdita]

Katherine Kelly has announced that she is pregnant.

The former Coronation Street actress tweeted fans last night to confirm that she and husband Ryan Clark are expecting their first child.

The couple, who have been together for three years, married in Las Vegas last month.

She said of the ceremony: "I love people's weddings, but I have never desired a big white wedding for myself.

"We wanted to enjoy the day without all the usual planning and pressure.

"We'd been laughing and joking all day and then suddenly everything seemed to stop and we tried to get the words 'I do' out without becoming emotional wrecks. It was awesome."

[Perdita]

Katherine Kelly has announced that she is pregnant.

The former Coronation Street actress tweeted fans last night to confirm that she and husband Ryan Clark are expecting their first child.

The couple, who have been together for three years, married in Las Vegas last month.

She said of the ceremony: "I love people's weddings, but I have never desired a big white wedding for myself.

"We wanted to enjoy the day without all the usual planning and pressure.

"We'd been laughing and joking all day and then suddenly everything seemed to stop and we tried to get the words 'I do' out without becoming emotional wrecks. It was awesome."

[Perdita]

Series overview

Based upon the life of flamboyant American entrepreneur Harry Gordon Selfridge, who founded the world‐renowned store on London’s Oxford Street in 1909, the second series picks up the story in 1914 as the store celebrates its 5th anniversary of trading.

Harry, played by Emmy award‐winning American actor, Jeremy Piven (Entourage), is proud of the store’s success but there is no time to rest on his laurels. With rumours rife with talk of war in Europe, he prepares staff for challenging times ahead. The store must play its own part in the war effort and help keep morale high on the home front.

Now more than ever Harry needs his wife, Rose, played by Frances O’Connor (AI: Artificial Intelligence, Piccadilly Jim), by his side. But in the last five years, they have become increasingly estranged. Whilst Rose has been spending long periods in America with the couple’s daughters and their son Gordon attends school in Winchester, Harry lives the life of a single man in London.

Episode one

In the first episode of the new series, Rose returns to support her husband during the anniversary celebrations. Surprised and thrilled to have her back, Harry embarks on a campaign to win her back and reunite the family. But Rose is caught up with an exciting new friendship with Bohemian novelist and business woman, Delphine Day, played by Polly Walker (John Carter, Clash of the Titans) whom she met on the boat home from New York. Delphine is self‐assured, inspiring and a breath of fresh air for Rose. As the owner of the infamous Delphine’s Club in Soho, she begins to empower Rose and leaves Harry feeling beleaguered and sidelined.

Lady Mae Loxley, played by Katherine Kelly (Coronation Street, She Stoops to Conquer) is also thrown off stride by the unexpected return to London of her husband, Lord Loxley, played by Aidan McArdle (Garrow’s Law, The Reckoning). Loxley is an alpha male who creates tensions and animosity at every turn and his unsettling presence threatens to drive a wedge between Harry and Lady Mae.

Arrival of a flamboyant new Head of Fashion, Mr Thackeray, played by Cal MacAninch (Downton Abbey, Wild at Heart), also sets a cat amongst the pigeons. Mr Thackeray spent his formative years working in Paris and relishes the opportunity to remind his colleagues of his illustrious training. He considers himself a cut above the other staff, especially Agnes Towler, played by Aisling Loftus (The Borrowers, Dive), who he views as competition from the outset.

Agnes has been working in Paris and returns to London in episode one to work for Harry as Selfridge’s new Head of Display. With the fashion and style influence of the Parisians, Agnes turns heads with her sophisticated new look. Old flame, Victor Colleano, played Trystan Gravelle (Anonymous), has been promoted to manage Selfridge’s restaurant the Palm Court and has moved on with his life in Agnes’ absence. That is until Victor’s sparky young cousin and newly appointed waiter in the Palm Court, Franco, played by Sean Teale, decides to cause some mischief. And Henri Leclair, played by Gregory Fitoussi (Spiral), returns from America a changed man.

Other key characters also return and we pick up with their stories four years on. These include Miss Josie Mardle, played by Amanda Abbington, (Married, Single, Other), Tom Goodman-*‐Hill (Spy, The Hollow Crown) as Harry’s Chief of Staff Mr Roger Grove, Ron Cook as Harry’s ever-*‐faithful right hand man, Mr Crabb, Samuel West as journalist Frank Edwards, Amy Beth Hayes as ambitious shop girl Kitty Hawkins and Calum Callaghan as George Towler.

With World War One imminent and set to be the greatest and most devastating in history, it will inevitably affect the lives of everyone in the store. Throughout these troubled times, Harry will turn to his family and friends and try and heal the rifts of the past.