Set amidst the 1870s Victorian splendor of Britain’s first department store, The Paradise is a rags-to-riches story of a young girl who falls in love with the intoxicating charms of the modern world. As Denise finds her feet as a lowly shopgirl, she must navigate her way through power struggles, intrigues and affairs. When the shop’s dashing and reckless owner, John Moray, spots her talents she knows she can use this opportunity to rise to great things. Through sexy, episodic stories driven by romance and glamour, this series creates a world as colourful and captivating as the silks on display in the store. This is a love story, a story of ambition and progress, with a mysterious, dark secret at its heart.
Only two seasons were aired: “We are incredibly proud to have made two successful series of period drama The Paradise for BBC1. However, in order to make room for new dramas to come through, The Paradise won’t be returning.” – BBC spokesperson
Created by Bill Gallagher (Lark Rise to Candleford), and based on Émile Zola’s beloved classic novel, Au Bonheur des Dames, The Paradise also stars Elaine Cassidy (A Room with a View), Sarah Lacashire (Last Tango in Halifax), Stephen Wight (Sherlock), and Season 2 adds Ben Daniels (House of Cards), Adrian Scarborough (Upstairs Downstairs) and others.
Shown on PBS Masterpiece Theatre.
Starring Joanna Vanderham, Emun Elliott and Stephen Wight.