Famous fans of hit show Mr Selfridge are revealed with second series set to get underway.
Mr Selfridge was one of ITV’s biggest hits of last year. And as the new series begins, star Jeremy Piven says it has attracted a surprisingly rock and roll following.
“Ronnie Wood watches the series and calls me Mr Selfridge. That’s awesome,” laughs Jeremy, who is often stopped by fans.
“When I hear someone say, ‘Excuse me Mr Selfridge’ it’s both surreal and really gratifying. We spend six months making the series in virtual seclusion, very much under the radar in London. It’s a very lonely process.
“It means a lot to come to Britain where period drama is done so well and be accepted. It’s very humbling that people loved the show and really got involved in it.”
Jeremy, who won an Emmy for acclaimed US drama Entourage, should be used to having famous fans.
“I was lucky enough to go out on the road and work ‘stumping’ for President Obama,” reveals Jeremy.
“He told me that Entourage was his favourite show. I thought, ‘What a great politician. He must have an aide that whispers in his ear’.
“But I did a little research and his head of security confirmed that he actually loved it. So you never know. One day he might ask for a box set of Mr Selfridge!”
This series kicks off with the store now a success and celebrating its fifth anniversary.
But as it’s now 1914 it does so to the backdrop of the start of the First World War. Almost nine out of 10 of the male staff working at the store at the time would have been eligible for military service.
“It’s tragic,” says Jeremy. “They thought they were going to go over and bloody some German noses and then come back and take a victory lap. No one knew of the horrors ahead.”
Jeremy admits he loves going to the modern day Oxford Street Selfridges as he feels a connection. And his portrayal of a store boss has obviously been convincing.
“I did have one woman come up to me and tell me I really needed to speak to my staff because she had a manicure and a pedicure and it only lasted her a couple of events,” adds Jeremy.
“I think she was confused as to the time period. Maybe she didn’t realise that we’re in the present day and I’m an actor from Chicago! But the fact that we fooled her was exciting.”
The second series of Mr Selfridge starts Sunday, 9pm, on ITV,
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