Jessica Knappett on turning wilderness years into TV

Jessica Knappett was once so broke she had to choose between tampons or a sandwich. The writer and actor talks about binge-drinking her way through a quarter-life crisis - and working-class hilarity.

Jessica Knappett: The six stages of modern dating

From Tinder to dick pics, modern dating is a minefield. Luckily, the star of E4 sitcom Drifters has a foolproof guide to getting it right/not wrong.

This comedy about a trio of sexually challenged twentysomethings has had a consistently strong second run, with highlights including Meg's (Jessica Knappett) "bonk down memory lane" with ex Mark, the girls' foray on to a Tinder-ish dating app and Meg and Bunny's (Lydia Rose Bewley) infatuation with neighbour Scott. This week Leia (Verity-May Henry), whom Meg and Bunny met in India, arrives on the scene, triggering an unlikely political turn for Laura (Lauren O'Rourke), while Meg attends an illegal rave.

This comedy about a trio of sexually challenged twentysomethings has had a consistently strong second run, with highlights including Meg's (Jessica Knappett) "bonk down memory lane" with ex Mark, the girls' foray on to a Tinder-ish dating app and Meg and Bunny's (Lydia Rose Bewley) infatuation with neighbour Scott. This week Leia (Verity-May Henry), whom Meg and Bunny met in India, arrives on the scene, triggering an unlikely political turn for Laura (Lauren O'Rourke), while Meg attends an illegal rave.

Initially dubbed the "female Inbetweeners", the girls who starred alongside Will and co in their first big-screen spinoff came into their own last year in this charming, witty sitcom. Now they're back with more twentysomething trials. This week Meg (Jessica Knappett) uses her family dramas to cosy up to neighbour Scott, Bunny (Lydia Rose Bewley) becomes fixated on her boyfriend's musical career, and an accident forces Laura (Lauren O'Rourke) to assume the role of reluctant caregiver.

Jessica Knappett interview

The writer and star of E4's Drifters talks "inherently sexist" panel shows, token women and overcoming expectations.

Jessica Knappett on Drifters 2: "It's filthier than S1"

Jessica Knappett doesn't feel the need to defend E4's Drifters from its critics ("The ratings speak for themselves"), but the young actress/writer/producer is keen to hit back at accusations that the sitcom - returning for a second series this week - is unrealistic.

Jessica Knappett interview

"The filthy things are things that have happened to me or my friends. They're getting increasingly reluctant to tell me things!"