M&S approach huge Hollywood star to appear in its new adverts in bid to lure in new and younger shoppers

X-FILES legend Gillian Anderson has been approached by M&S to appear in its new adverts.

It comes as the retailer focuses on star-studded deals to lure in new and younger shoppers.

Big names have included actresses Sienna Miller and Hannah Waddingham, and fashion designer Bella Freud.

US-born Gillian, 56, lives in London and played X Files special agent Dana Scully alongside Fox Mulder from 1993.

An insider said: “Gillian is the perfect face to help evolve the brand.

“She is chic, high calibre and sophisticated, so bosses are keen to sign her as a key brand ambassador.”

M&S reported a better-than-expected 17.2 per cent jump in half-year profits, to £407.8million.

Sales rose 7.5 per cent in its food business and 5.3 per cent in its clothing and home division.

Boss Stuart Machin singled out womenswear, saying its shops sold a bra every two seconds.