Jeremy Piven Announces The Return Of ‘Mr Selfridge’: ‘I’m Back In April’
Mr Selfridge – the television dramatization of the life and times of the American entrepreneur – has been commissioned for a fourth season by the U.K. channel, ITV, and Jeremy Piven is very happy about it. The actor, took to the airwaves on March 13 to discuss the latest development with Good Morning Britain via videolink, so reports The Sunday Express, and had nothing but praise for the project.
“I’m so proud of the show and really believe our cast is incredible. They keep me on my toes. I love every minute of it and don’t want it to end. So I’m back in April and we’ll be shooting series four. I love it when people mistake me for Harry Selfridge, because he was a turn of the century gentleman. It truly is the dream.”
With the third season of the show set to premiere in the U.S. on PBS on March 29th 2015, Mr Selfridge is one of those rare television commodities that has successfully translated from U.K. to American audiences, and the involvement of Entourage star Jeremy Piven is no small part of that achievement. Speaking to the Radio Times, the director of drama for ITV, Steve November, explained the enthusiasm for the project that continues to grow at the channel.
“We’re delighted to commission a fourth series of Mr Selfridge. It’s so pleasing to see the audience take the characters and storylines into their hearts. We’re looking forward to seeing Jeremy reprise his role as the visionary yet deeply troubled Harry, alongside simply stunning production values.”
Executive producer for ITV studios, Kate Lewis, also commented on the challenges that lay ahead for the writers and cast alike, as show closes in on perhaps the darkest chapter of the retail giant’s life.
“This series marks a dramatic turn in fortunes for Harry, as he loses grip on his empire. It’s a bit of a game changer for all the characters in the series.”
Series regulars of Mr Selfridge, that Variety has confirmed as returning alongside Jeremy Piven, include Ron Cook, Amanda Abbington, and Samuel West, while actress Katherine Kelly announced her own return on Twitter, adding confirmation that season four will mark the end of the show.
It’s official! Lady Mae will be back for the 4th and final series of Mr Selfridge. Pass me a big hat! @jeremypiven @ITVMrSelfridge
— Katherine Kelly (@katherine_kelly) March 13, 2015
The character of Lady Mae Loxley, played by Katherine Kelly in the first two seasons of Mr Selfridge, has been missing from Season 3, which is currently being broadcast in the U.K. Her return will be welcomed by fans on both sides of the Atlantic, as they brace themselves for further drama and heartache.
Created by Andrew Davies in 2013, and based upon the book Shopping, Seduction and Mr Selfridge by Lindy Woodhead, Mr Selfridge has thus far charted the years the real-life pioneering magnate spent establishing his department store and building deep connections with his staff. His family life has been tumultuous as his children have grown and his wife has passed away. As audiences see the character enter his elder years, the lonely, destitute end of the real man looms large.
Season three of Mr Selfridge is currently broadcast on ITV every Sunday evening, with the finale set for March 29, 2015. As the finale airs in the U.K., the season will begin broadcasting in the U.S. on PBS.
[Image: Francois Durand/Getty Images]
