White Gold Series 2 confirmed by BBC Two
- White Gold, the 1980s set sitcom about double glazing salesmen, is to return to BBC Two in 2018
- The BBC has announced six more episodes, following strong ratings for Series 1
- The new series will see the characters spread abroad to cover the Spanish timeshare apartment gold rush
White Gold, the 1980s-set BBC Two sitcom, is set to return for a second series.
The BBC has confirmed today that the comedy, written by Inbetweeners co-creator Damon Beesley about a trio of double glazing salesmen, has been recommissioned.
In a statement, the corporation said: "Ed Westwick, Joe Thomas and James Buckley all donning their shiniest suits once more to continue their raucous exploits as Essex's most notorious double glazing salesmen."
Gossip Girl star Ed Westwick plays the central role of top salesman Vincent Swan, with Inbetweeners alumni Joe Thomas and James Buckley playing salesmen Lavender and Fitzpatrick. Series 1 also featured Lauren O'Rourke as receptionist Carol, Linzey Cocker as Vincent's wife Sam, Nigel Lindsay as business owner Tony Walsh and Lee Ross as local gangster Ronnie Farrell.
British Comedy Guide understands the recommissioned was made early this year by Comedy Commissioner Shane Allen, however the Corporation has only confirmed the news today as it prepares to air the final episode of Series 1 tonight.
White Gold Series 1 has performed very strongly for the network. The programme is BBC Two's biggest comedy launch of the year, and - after publishing all six episodes online in a 'box set' after the first episode was broadcast - one of the most watched UK comedy shows online. With over five million requests so far, it is the second most watched comedy programme on BBC iPlayer this year, only beaten by Peter Kay's Car Share.
Notably, White Gold has also reached double the average audience for a BBC Two comedy in the key 16 - 34 age bracket demographic.
Talking about the set up for the final episode in the current series and how the show will lead on to Series 2, the BBC explains: "Charismatic but corrupt salesman Vincent Swan faced a fall from grace as he lost his job, wife, and house in his bid for professional glory. Can he rescue everything with one final gamble in a race to placate the tax man? We'll see the results in the second series, where Vincent and the Cachet Windows team delve deeper into Essex's criminal underworld."
Giving a hint that the new series will see the premise expand beyond double glazing sales, Shane Allen comments: "Vincent Swan charms his way back on screen alongside this outstanding ensemble cast for another series. The reaction to the first series has been terrific, with an enormous audience boost from the iPlayer box set release. In Series 2, the swindles spread abroad to cover the Spanish timeshare apartment gold rush. Expect to see Ed Westwick in some tight swimming trunks."
Damon Beesley, who both writes and directs the series through his production company Fudge Park, says: "It's both an honour and a pleasure to be working with the BBC again on a second series of White Gold. I like to think of it as selling them a Series 2 conservatory to go with their Series 1 patio doors. I'm especially looking forward to watching re-runs of Top Of The Pops '85 for 'research'."
Patrick Holland, Controller of BBC Two, adds: "I am delighted White Gold is returning to BBC Two next year. The first series was a great new tone on the channel and I can't wait for the audience to see where Vince's schemes and capers take us next time."
Series 2 - which will comprise of six further episodes - will be filmed in Essex later this year for broadcast on BBC Two in 2018.
White Gold concludes on BBC Two at 10pm tonight. Below is a clip, in which Vince talks to Carol about his plans for paying off his tax bill:
For more information, character guides, and an interview about how the show was made, see our Guide to White Gold
Series 1 will be released on DVD and download on Monday.
White Gold
Britain, the early '80s. At Cachet Windows, the stakes are high and so are the staff. Vincent Swan, Cachet's head of sales, excels at selling his favourite product - himself. Martin Lavender has a university degree, which in the world of sales is as much use as an aerated condom. Brian Fitzpatrick is an excellent liar with no principles: he makes a pretty good salesman. And then there's Carol, Britain's lousiest receptionist. They are getting filthy rich thanks to uPVC double-glazing, a dirt-cheap alternative to timber. To you and me, it's just plastic. To them, it's white gold.
First released: Monday 3rd July 2017
DVD- Distributor: BBC
- Region: 2
- Discs: 1
- Subtitles: English
- Catalogue: BBCDVD4204
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