In a strong cast, Amanda Abbington – memorable for playing the former assassin wife of Dr Watson in the modern version of Sherlock and her unrequited love of private investigator Jackson Brodie in Kate Atkinson’s Case Histories – plays Josie Mardle, meticulous manager of the accessories department. But she’s secretly having an affair with the married chief of staff, Mr Grove. She’s got a staid and stern exterior, says Amanda, but underneath she’s a hopeless romantic. In real life, Amanda is the partner of actor Martin Freeman, well known from The O­ffice, Sherlock and for playing Bilbo Baggins in the new Hobbit film. He was delighted when Amanda joined the cast of Mr Selfridge. ‘He’s a professional shopper. He loves tailoring and Savile Row. And he also loves buying clothes for me. He has a very good eye. It’s so nice to have a partner who likes to come shopping with me. You can follow Amanda on twitter @CHIMPSINSOCKS

Actress Amanda Addington plays Miss Mardle in the TV period drama Mr Selfridge - photo ITV

Amanda Abbington was born on February 28, 1974 in North London, England as Amanda Jane Smith. She is an actress, known for After You've Gone (2007), Ghosted (2011) and The Debt (2003). As of summer 2000, longtime partner of actor Martin Freeman. Has two children - a son, Joe, and a daughter, Grace - with longtime partner Martin Freeman. London, England: Filming Sherlock, series 3 [August 2013

Actress Amanda Addington plays the wife of Dr Watson in Sherlock Holmes with her husband

(2004) She played Sian "Love Me Tonight" directed by Kathy Burke at Hampstead Theatre in England.
(2002) She played Bridget in "The Safari Party" directed by Alan Ayckbourn at the Scarborough and Hampstead Theaters in England.
(2002) She played Pam in "Something Blue" directed by Laura Harvey at the Scarborough in England.
She played Kate in William Shakespeare's "Taming of the Shrew" directed by Chris Crookes at the Queen Mother Theatre in England.
She played Jenny in "Tin Soldiers" at the New End Theatre and Grace Theatre directed by J. Gardiner in England.
(2006-2010) TV commercials for Maltesers chocolates
(1994) TV commercial for McDonald's restaurants "Route 66"
(1997) TV commercial for PC World

Amanda Addington is married to Martin Freeman who plays Bilbo in the hobbit