ITV re-commissions Mr Selfridge

ITV period drama Mr Selfridge will return to the channel for a second series, it has been confirmed.

The series, which stars Jeremy Piven and Katherine Kelly, has proven a ratings success since its launch in January, averaging 8.5 million viewers.

Piven will reprise his role as flamboyant American entrepreneur Harry Gordon Selfridge for the second series. Other key cast members are expected to return, alongside some ‘exciting’ new characters.

Kate Lewis, executive producer for ITV Studios said: “ITV Studios is thrilled to be making a second series of Mr Selfridge. The story of Harry Selfridge, his family and colleagues has drawn in a strong drama audience and we are delighted by the response.

The second series will allow us to build on this success and it is a fantastic opportunity to focus on 1914 during the centenary of the Great War.”

Production will commence on ten one hour episodes from April in Greater London and Kent to air on ITV in 2014.