Mary Queen of Frocks

Mary Portas is convinced she has spotted a gap in the fashion market: a store that gives 40-something women sexy, stylish clothes instead of the middle-aged frump or skimpy teenage fashion currently available. After months knocking on the doors of Britain's major retailers to find a backer, and just when she's running out of options, one of Britain's oldest department stores decides to back her vision. Mary is handed the biggest concession they've ever had. But there's a catch - the CEO expects her to take £2million in the first year. Mary launches a recruitment drive but gets a reality check when only one person applies. As the pressure to deliver mounts Mary finds a knight in shining armour in British designer Antonio Beradi. But that doesn't stop real women from finding fault with Mary's samples.

Mary Portas is just weeks away from launching her first ever shop. She finally has a retail partner on board who believes in her idea of a sexy, stylish shopping experience for grown-up women.

The doors are finally open at Mary's first ever shop at department store House of Fraser. She's put her reputation on the line in an attempt to create the ultimate shopping experience for women over 40. But has she succeeded in filling this gap in the market? - Strong language