Writing Uncle for BBC Three

Uncle stars Nick Helm as an out-of-work musician who forges an unlikely alliance with his 12-year-old nephew. We spoke to Lilah Vandenburgh about her writing career, working with co-writer Oliver Refson, their writing process and Uncle's development and evolution, including loads of useful advice.

Uncle, Series 2 review

Uncle is an endearing sitcom with likeable characters and a hugely talented cast. It's a slow-burner, which only increases its impact, making it one of the most enjoyable sitcoms I've seen for a while.

BBC Three's Uncle is a winning comedy for life's losers

Helm's character really is one of life's losers - Uncle however is definitely a winner in the comedy stakes. Roll on series three...please?

The second series of the dark comedy charting the misadventures of downtrodden muso Andy (Nick Helm) and highly strung nephew Errol (Elliot Speller-Gillott) reaches its penultimate episode. Still unemployed and desperate for rent money, Andy does the logical thing and tries to worm his way into the will of dying Uncle Frank (Keith Allen). Sadly their reunion doesn't go to plan, as his abrasive relative wises up to his scheming. Could an appearance from Frank's estranged daughter bring the brood back together?

Radio Times review

Keith Allen cameos as dying Uncle Frank, whom he plays as a sort of cockney pirate. "You remind me of Hail Mary," he rasps gleefully at young Errol. "We woz in the Falklands together. 'E was built like an anorexic flamingo 'n' all."

Of course, cash-strapped Andy isn't visiting out of the kindness of his heart, but because he hopes to find his estranged uncle's fortune buried in the garden.

Radio Times review

Poor old Andy and poor young Errol still aren't having much luck with the ladies. Their fortunes change when Andy reluctantly agrees to be a chaperone at his nephew's Halloween school disco: he's locked in a stationery cupboard with the teacher of his dreams, while Errol finds himself in the staff room with his crush. Both trysts go entertainingly awry.

Radio Times review

This viewer was not young or cool enough to recognise guest star: Jordan Stephens, otherwise known as one half of hip-hop duo Rizzle Kicks. Stephens plays a pal who lends Andy the keys to his despotic boss's recording studio and soon regrets it. Clad in a tiger onesie ("it's a jumpsuit") and grouchy with man-flu, Andy intends to record a solo track but nephew Errol has other ideas.

Viewers of all ages will chuckle at the rapid-fire banter that neatly captures the love/hate relationship between the dearest of relatives, and the surreal musical interlude.

TV review: Uncle, series two

Uncle's season two opener boasts more of the same wonderful elements seen in the first series; gloriously overblown songs, crude gags and a wonderfully deft melding of the hilarious and the poignant.