ITV is looking to replicate the success of Downton Abbey with a new period drama that will chart the story of high-end retailer Selfridges.
The Andrew Davies adaptation of Lindy Woodhead novel Shopping, Seduction & Mr Selfridge has been in development at ITV Studios since last year and has now been commissioned for a ten-part series.
Mr Selfridge (working title) will chart the life of American entrepreneur, Harry Gordon Selfridge and his vision to make “shopping as thrilling as sex”.
The drama is set in 1909 London, at a time when wealthy women were enjoying a new sense of freedom and modernity. Selfridge wanted to indulge, empower and celebrate these women.
It will be lavish and glamorous in tone and draw on a variety of fictional characters from London’s social elite.
Mr Selfridge will go into production in April and air next year.
Executive producer Kate Lewis said: “It’s impossible to read about the real Harry Selfridge and not be enthralled. Here’s a man that had it all and lost it all in the most spectacular fashion. His life and the extraordinary legacy he left behind are dripping with drama.”
ITV is currently casting for the drama with an American actor being lined up for the role of Selfridge.
The drama’s budget will be roughly in line with that of Downton’s, which costs around £1m an episode to produce.
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