For BBC comedy about 1980s double-glazing salesmen

Inbetweeners stars Joe Thomas and James Buckley are to reunite with the co-creator of the youth TV hit for a new BBC Two comedy.

White Gold will be set in Essex in 1983 and Gossip Girl’s star Ed Westwick as a charismatic double-glazing salesman, and also features Lauren O’Rourke from This Is England 90.

Written by Damon Beesley, the six-part series is described as ‘a story of dodgy shenanigans, scams and petty rivalries - alongside free-flowing drugs, cash and sex’.

Westwick said: ‘I am very excited to be stepping into the world of White Gold. It’s brilliantly crafted and unique, a special piece. I'm sure a great road lies ahead’

The show was ordered by  Shane Allen, the head of BBC comedy commissioning.

He said: ‘I’m delighted to be back in the ring with Damon as I absolutely adore his writing. These characters jump off the page and get you in a headlock. The story-telling combines raucous Knockabout humour with a really powerful and emotionally engaging undertow.;’

Beesley, who will also direct, added: ‘I would like to thank the BBC and Shane Allen for giving us this glorious opportunity to recreate the Essex of my youth - a time before the invention of Essex girls jokes, fake tan or TOWIE. A time when having double-glazed patio doors installed meant you were winning at life. 

‘It’s hugely exciting to work with such a talented, brilliant cast and quite frankly I can’t wait for shooting to start."

White Gold, which is being made by Beesley’s company Fudge Park, will be film edin Essex this autumn and will air on BBC Two next year.

The executive producers are Caroline Leddy, Iain Morris and Simon Wilson and the producer is Phil Gilbert.

Published: 26 Aug 2016