Darcey signs for M&S
If proof were needed that Marks and Spencer has really revived its fortunes, then perhaps Darcey Bussell is it.
The Royal Ballet's prima ballerina is lending her poise and glamour to M&S as it launches its new range of performance sportswear.
The chain today revealed it had acquired View From, a sportswear brand set up by Brendan Foster, the former British Olympic athlete.
The range, including clothing, footwear and accessories, will go on sale in September - and, M&S hopes, stop its customers spending millions each year on sportswear by its competitors.
Ms Bussell, 33, who had a baby girl a year ago, has clearly regained her figure and fitness and has started performing again.
She recently finished dancing Romeo and Juliet at the Royal Opera House and is now touring Australia.
She said: "Pilates, yoga and general stretching are a crucial element in our general training programme and it is great that Marks and Spencer will be selling quality sportswear specifically designed for these disciplines." Ms Bussell, who lives in west London with her banker husband Angus Forbes and their daughter, will be joined by leading athletes as one of the new faces of M&S.
They include Olympic rower Matthew Pinsent, round-theworld yachtswoman Ellen MacArthur and the Yorkshire and England fast bowler Darren Gough.
Maurice Helfgott, M&S menswear business director, said: "Darcey has consistently performed throughout her career at the very highest standards and is a fantastic role model for sportswear at M&S."
Last month, the chain unveiled its highest profits in four years and said that it intended to regain its position as Britain's number one retailer.
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