Girls' Lena Dunham inspired by British TV shows Ab Fab and Gavin & Stacey

Girls creator Lena Dunham has revealed she is a big fan of British television shows.

Receiving the gong for international TV programme at last night’s Royal Television Society awards, Dunham said: “I grew up watching British television. Some of the shows that shaped me are Prime Suspect, Ab Fab and, more recently, Gavin & Stacey. And if there’s a BBC mini-series, you cannot keep me away from it.”

The 26-year-old actress and writer said via video link: “The idea that our show would have any impact on British television watchers the way that television from your fine country has affected me is just thrilling. We love the UK- we are inspired by your sense of humour and your love of tea and we will continue to try and please you in upcoming seasons.”

Critically acclaimed series Girls beat off strong competition from HBO’s Homeland and Danish crime series Borgen to win the award for best international TV programme.

The second series of Girls, dubbed the disillusioned Sex and the City, ended on Sky Atlantic on Monday. Dunham confirmed in January that a third series of the show has been commissioned and will begin filming at the end of March.