As ITV's lavish period drama Mr Selfridge prepares to shut shop for good, Jeremy Piven tells James Hastings why the fourth and final series promises to be the best yet.

STORE magnate, Harry Selfridge, made a fortune keeping things up his sleeve.

Fine wines, gambling debts and the odd mistress or four were secrets the entrepreneur managed to hide from his long-suffering wife and business partners.

But American actor Jeremy Piven who plays Harry in the hit ITV period drama which starts its final series this week, says he'd take any role if it meant he could stay in the UK.

"As an actor, you go where you're loved, and the British people welcomed me with open arms, so I would love to work here in any TV, film or stage roles," he insists

"I'd even do a puppet show up in Blackpool - wherever they'll have me."

Whether or not the Emmy Award-winning star's alter ego would soil his immaculately tailored suit sleeves with anything as vulgar as a Punch or Judy puppet, remains to be seen.

But the popularity of Mr Selfridge shows how British viewers have taken both it and Jeremy to their hearts.

So how does the actor feel about the series coming to its finale?

"When I first met with the producers, they said they wanted to do the show in four series; that was our goal and that's what we're doing," explains the 50-year-old star.

"If I felt like we hadn't done all that we could, or we had been cancelled, there would be regret. But there's no regret; I am just lucky to be working with these people. So, that's just where I'm at."

In the final series, Jeremy is joined by regulars Tom Goodman-Hill, Ron Cook, Amanda Abbington, Amy Beth Hayes, Trystan Gravelle, Sacha Parkinson and Samuel West - plus new cast members Sacha Dhawan, Lottie Tolhurst and Mimi Ndiweni.

Skipping forward nine years to 1928, the 10-episode finale finds Harry at the pinnacle of his power and public celebrity - a retail giant at the heart of the roaring Twenties.

Showcasing a period of rapid social change and progress in fashion, music and technology, the mood in London is distinctly 'modern', and with his man-about-town status, it's not long before Mr Selfridge's attentions flit between his two main vices: gambling and women (in this case, the infamous Dolly sisters, played by Emma Hamilton and Zoe Richards).

"I feel like Harry was born for the 1920s," declares former Entourage star Jeremy, who has embraced the complexities of the department store founder since the first series aired in 2013.

"It was a celebration that he loved - the energy, and obviously he falls for the Dolly sisters.

"The first woman he fell for in series one was Ellen Love, a performer and artist. I think Harry fancies himself as an artist as well, with retail his theatre. There's something about artists and performers that's alluring to him."

But as rumours of Harry's latest fling light up the social circuit at Victor Colleano's decadent new nightspot, he can't foresee his demise and despite warnings, Harry loses sight of the empire and status he worked so hard to create.

"Even though you may feel Harry is doing the wrong thing, you enjoy the ride and can see why he participates. In this particular case, he's having the time of his life, but it does all come crashing down on him. Lessons are learnt and it is the beginning of the end," Jeremy says sympathetically.

Describing his character's need to buy affection, the actor continues: "He built Selfridges & Co on Oxford Street for people to be whoever they wanted to be, and he really loved being the host.

"He cared deeply for people, took such good care of everyone around him and mostly let his heart rule his head. It's part of that American spirit: to over-indulge, give unconditionally and, in Harry's case, recklessly."

An example of this loyalty is seen in his relationship with socialite Lady Mae (played by former Corrie actress Katherine Kelly) who, having returned from Paris hurt and humiliated by her second husband's betrayal, is looking to sell her shares in Selfridges.

"Mae was the first person that helped Harry out when he arrived in London. She had his back and now he has hers," says Piven. "He has a great relationship with Lady Mae this year. She's like his consigliere.

"One of the things I love the most about the show is that while it's based on a true story, you can never really guess where the drama is heading," the New York-born actor adds. "For instance, you don't see Lady Mae coming back at all and, well, I can't tell you what else happens, as that would be a massive spoiler!"

What he will say is that the latest run promises to be "the best yet".

"I love this season the most and I know I've said that every year, but it really does keep getting better. Everything we've seen and been working towards on this Mr Selfridge journey is coming through in this season and coming to a close.

"In my opinion, what makes British drama the best is that it doesn't burn its steps; it takes its time telling the story, plays with pace and has fun with it. In the fourth series, it's as if it's the same show but different at the same time. It's been an incredible ride for me and I'm still shaking my head thinking back over the last four years, because it has exceeded my expectations on every level."

Fond memories also extend to respected leader, Selfridge: "It was so much fun, and challenging to play him. I'll never forget it. I'll really miss all of it."

If all else fails, Jeremy could always try panto up t'north.