Material Girl
Lenora Critchlow in Material Girl
We’ve all had “the boss from hell” and worked hard without complaint hoping to reap the rewards of our dedication. But what do you do when you feel stifled and unfulfilled? Some of us accept the nature of our work, grinning and bearing it, while others forge their own path. Meet Ali Redcliffe (Lenora Crichlow) she’s just quit her job, gone into partnership with a shady businessman and has been blacklisted by a well respected fashion critic.
BBC One presents Material Girl a six-part series about the ascension of a London fashion designer and the company she keeps.
In the first episode we’re introduced to Ali, the central character, her colleagues and friends. Davina Bailey (Dervla Kirwan) is an established designer and also Ali’s former boss. She easily earns the “villain” title as we watch her snub Ali at every opportunity she gets. Highly manipulative and calculated, Davina is determined to maintain her position as the designer to the stars.
Ali must learn how to navigate her way through an unforgiving industry as she learns early on in the episode that the toes she’s stepped on are attached to the behind she may have to kiss in the future. Fashion critic Mitchell Brompton (Malcolm Sinclair) is displeased with her when she rejects his proposition. Mitchell’s fragile ego paired with his influence can only lead to obstacles in Ali’s career.
Marco Keriliak (Michael Landes) is the infamous businessman backing Ali’s label. He has the enthusiasm and the know-how to promote her brand but his intentions aren’t always clear. Both characters are stubborn and this could turn out to be a war of wills as the two of them try to protect their vested interests.
Ali is grounded by the support and encouragement she receives from her friends; Alex(Nick Blood), a junior designer at Davina’s company; Mimi (Ingrid Oliver), an aspiring stylist working as a stockist at a leading magazine and Lydia (Anna Brewster), a fashion model with real-girl charm. Although, Alex finds himself caught between his professional and personal life as his loyalty is tested before the series end.
Success wouldn’t be complete without a person in your life to share it with and there’s no exception for Ali. She meets Chris (OT Fagbenle) when she least expects it, but is she ready to move on?
Watch Material Girl on BBC One at 8pm on Thursday 14 January
Also, Catch Lenora Crichlow in Being Human series two on BBC Three at 9pm on Sunday 10 January
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