Pop singer Lily Allen has been given a second series of her BBC Three chat show despite a raft of poor reviews.

Lily Allen and Friends will return for eight more 45-minute episodes after the first series finishes tonight, the BBC announced today.

The programme, which features celebrity guests and provocative internet clips, has been widely criticised since its poor-rating launch in February. TV reviewers have called it patronising and chaotic, and have criticised its reliance on cheap gimmicks.

But the Controller of BBC Three, Danny Cohen, said the show was developing well.

“Lily is a star. She has developed astoundingly well as a TV host in just a few weeks and has established herself as a firm favourite with the young audiences BBC Three targets."

Despite a prominent marketing campaign, the February 13 launch show attracted just 2 per cent of the multichannel audience. The ratings dropped through February but steadily increased during March.

The chart-topping singer, who rose to fame after becoming an internet hit on MySpace, has landed some high profile musician guests, including producer du jour and good friend Mark Ronson, singer Rosin Murphy and chart-topper Adele. But Allen has failed to lure big names outside of the music business, since Cuba Gooding Jr. featured on the first show.

Allen said she was delighted to hear a second series had been commissioned.

“I'm thrilled that we're going to make a second series of the show, it's been such a laugh.

"I want to say a huge thank you to everyone who tuned in, and I can't wait to film series two."

Lily Allen and Friends formed a part of the BBC Three relaunch in Februrary. Since then, the channel’s share amongst 16 to 34-year-olds has reached 3.9 per cent – a 44 per cent rise from the same period last year.

Editor's choice

• The 100 Best Films of the Decade
• 70 facts you didn't know about Marvel
• The 50 Biggest Movies Of 2010