Watch White Gold

In the world of White Gold, it's the 1980s and everything is about indulgence, excess and the accumulation of wealth. Enter Vincent Swan, a charismatic and charming double-glazing salesman who will do anything to make a sale. Played by Gossip Girl alumnus Ed Westwick, Vincent is a smooth-talking con artist who gets his kicks from cutting deals and making a quick buck. Alongside his hapless co-workers, Fitzpatrick and Lavender, Vincent navigates the murky waters of small-town salesmanship, using underhanded tactics to close deals and climb the corporate ladder.

At first glance, White Gold might seem like just another workplace comedy - and in some ways, it is. But what sets it apart is its setting; the world of 1980s double-glazing, with its garish fashions and ubiquitous gold chains, provides a hilarious backdrop for the show's outrageous antics. The plot itself is fairly simple - each episode revolves around a particular job or client that Vincent and his team are trying to sell to - but the real fun comes from watching the characters interact and scheme against one another.

Despite his shady business practices, Vincent is a strangely likable character, mainly thanks to Westwick's winning performance. He's suave and charming, with a razor-sharp wit and a seemingly endless supply of confidence. It's clear that he genuinely loves the hustle and bustle of sales work, and the thrill of the chase that comes with it. However, Vincent is far from perfect - he's selfish, manipulative, and tends to view people as nothing more than potential customers. His relationship with his long-suffering wife, Sam, is particularly fraught, with Vincent often treating her terribly in his quest for success.

Of course, no show is complete without a great supporting cast, and White Gold is no exception. Fitzpatrick (played by James Buckley of The Inbetweeners fame) is Vincent's loyal but bumbling second-in-command, while Lavender (Joe Thomas, also from The Inbetweeners) is the office's resident nerd we love to hate. Throw in a few satisfyingly hate-able antagonists, such as rival salesman Tony Walsh (played with scenery-chewing glee by Nigel Lindsay), and you've got a recipe for some great comedy.

But it's not all laughs in White Gold. The show touches on some heavier themes, such as the politics of Thatcher-era Britain and the struggles faced by working-class people trying to get ahead. Vincent might be a smooth-talking salesman, but he's also a working-class guy who's clawed his way up the corporate ladder by any means necessary. There are moments when White Gold shows us the darker side of his job, such as the desperate customers he takes advantage of or the way he treats his employees.

In that sense, White Gold is an interesting representation of modern British culture - a reflection on the themes and issues that defined the Thatcher years, but with a modern twist. Even though the show is set in the past, it still feels fresh and relevant thanks to its deft writing and strong performances.

Overall, White Gold is a funny and surprisingly thoughtful show that more than lives up to its pedigree. Ed Westwick is a delight to watch as Vincent Swan, and the supporting cast is equally strong. The 80s setting adds an extra layer of fun to the proceedings, but there's also enough substance here to keep things interesting beyond the surface level. Whether you're a fan of workplace comedies or just good TV in general, White Gold is definitely worth checking out.

White Gold is a series that ran for 2 seasons (12 episodes) between May 24, 2017 and on BBC Two