Material Girl. Image shows from L to R: Marco Keriliak (Michael Landes), Ali Redcliffe (Lenora Crichlow), Chris (O-T Fagbenle), Davina Bailey (Dervla Kirwan). Copyright: Carnival Films
Material Girl

Material Girl

  • TV comedy drama
  • BBC One
  • 2010
  • 6 episodes (1 series)

Romantic comedy about a fashion designer who must battle an evil ex-boss, a devilish business partner and snobby fashionistas. Stars Lenora Crichlow, Dervla Kirwan, Michael Landes, O-T Fagbenle, Nick Blood and more.

Episode menu

Series 1, Episode 1

It's Paris Fashion Week and Ali Redcliffe has a huge flare-up with her boss, the leading fashion designer Davina Bailey.

Preview clips

Further details

Material Girl. Image shows from L to R: Ali Redcliffe (Lenora Crichlow), Alex (Nick Blood). Copyright: Carnival Films

Paris's hectic Fashion Week has kicked off and backstage at the Davina Bailey show the stress levels are starting to peak when a creative flare-up between Ali and Davina triggers Ali to make the rash decision of walking out, leaving a furious Davina in her wake.

As the weight of her actions sinks in, Ali is thrown a life-line by revered fashion critic Mitchell Crompton - he promises her a fantastic job in return for a sexual favour. Disgusted, Ali rebuffs him, making herself yet another powerful enemy...

Back in the UK, as Ali searches for a new job, doors are closed in her face. No-one wants to go near her for fear of upsetting Mitchell Crompton.

When retiring from the profession seems to be the only option, Marco, an entrepreneur, offers her the exciting opportunity to design under her own label.

But aware of his unscrupulous nature, and warned off him by friends Alex, Mimi and Lydia, Ali is initially cautious until a sneer from Davina prompts her into signing up with him.

The following day, Ali and Marco find a studio but it's not long before they clash over which celebrity to dress at the upcoming BAFTA awards ceremony. Marco wants to dress the star of a nominated film for optimum publicity whereas Ali would rather dress the true heroine behind the film - she doesn't want to just emulate Davina and design only for the stars, but wants to make an ordinary person like soldier Lynn Jones feel wonderful.

Marco deftly recruits the actress and Ali acquiesces, seeing it for the great opportunity it is. However, at the 11th hour, they lose their actress to Davina.

Ali is gutted but Marco surprises her by getting the true heroine onto the red carpet wearing a knock-out Ali Redcliffe dress, which doesn't go unnoticed by the waiting press. Ali finally relaxes into her business relationship with Marco.

Meanwhile, Ali meets gorgeous Chris. Keen to pursue a relationship with Ali, Chris is disappointed when he's given the brush off so she can concentrate on her work.

But when Ali has her first taste of business success, she feels ready to take a chance with Chris.

Broadcast details

Date
Thursday 14th January 2010
Time
8pm
Channel
BBC One
Length
60 minutes

Repeats

Show past repeats

Date Time Channel
Friday 15th January 2010 12:45am BBC3

Cast & crew

Cast
Lenora Crichlow Ali Redcliffe
Dervla Kirwan Davina Bailey
Michael Landes Marco Keriliak
O-T Fagbenle Chris
Nick Blood Alex
Ingrid Oliver Mimi Throckmorton
Anna Brewster Lydia Kane
Esther Smith Trish
Joanna Kanska Dorota
Malcolm Sinclair Mitchell Crompton
Vyelle Croom Orlando
Guest cast
Beth Cordingly Lynn
Elize Du Toit Katy
Lucy Holt Fenella
Sadie Pickering Louise
Rosanna Lavelle Sukie Choi Woman
Writing team
Joshua St Johnston Writer
Katy Harmer Script Editor
Production team
Cilla Ware Director
Chrissy Skinns Producer
Polly Hill Executive Producer
Gareth Neame Executive Producer
Sally Woodward Gentle Executive Producer
Chris Wyatt Editor
James Lewis Production Designer
John Lunn Composer
Jim Williams Composer

Videos

Mr Right?

Ali meets Chris for the first time.

Featuring: Nick Blood (Alex), Lenora Crichlow (Ali Redcliffe), O-T Fagbenle (Chris) & Ingrid Oliver (Mimi Throckmorton).

Meeting Marco

Ali meets Marco and he buys her some shoes.

Featuring: Lenora Crichlow (Ali Redcliffe) & Michael Landes (Marco Keriliak).

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