Ricky Gervais

Ricky Gervais: "People are waiting for me to fail."

As the second series of his divisive sitcom Derek hits screens, the comedian tells James Rampton why he'll never bow to the critics who habitually circle his work - and why he loves his 'sweet and funny' protagonist.

Ricky Gervais has said both the BBC and video-on-demand service Netflix are interested in the return of his most famous character, David Brent. The Office creator is still wrestling with whether he should play Glastonbury or not as he tours with the character's fictional band, Foregone Conclusion. "It could happen," Gervais told the new issue of Radio Times. "It would be amazing for Ricky Gervais, but I don't know if I can justify it. He can't play venues outside the story." Ah, the dilemma of staying true to the narrative. Gervais told the magazine he got "hooked again" on Brent when he brought him back for last year's Comic Relief. "I love David Brent but I can't just do it as a vanity project because the BBC and Netflix are up for it. I don't know whether to do an on-the-road special or make that the whole series." It is 11 years since Gervais signed off from The Office with a pair of Christmas specials on BBC One. "It's a bid odd - he sells out venues faster than the Rolling Stones at the moment," he added. "I love the instant tragedy of a 50-year-old wannabe pop star in a shiny suit."

Ricky Gervais on the return of Derek Noakes

Somewhere between David Brent and Derek Noakes - around Andy Milman time - Ricky Gervais started to make the jump from cynicism and irony to kindness and honesty. It's a jump that not all fans of The Office have found easy to make.

Derek: Ricky Gervais waves goodbye to irony

Ricky Gervais is feeling pretty happy with his lot. As his surprisingly heart-warming mockumentary Derek returns to Channel 4 for a second series, Gervais explains his upbeat mood.

Ricky Gervais interview

He spoke so passionately about Derek, a project you can sense he's really proud of.

Although BBC2 produced many landmark comedy series, The Office was notable for establishing a new genre - the mockumentary. Fictional, but filmed as if it were a fly-on-the-wall reality TV show, it was written by Ricky Gervais and Stephen Merchant and gave us the grotesque (but inst­antly recognisable) character of David Brent, the socially awkward, yet self-important boss from hell presiding over a workplace in Slough which sucks the soul out of its employees. The Office reinvigorated the flagging British sitcom format. A touching blend of egotism, self-delusion and desperation, Brent is an incredible comic creation, but the show's other characters: Tim (Martin Freeman), who is all-too aware of the pointlessness of his work; Gareth (Mackenzie Crook), the self-inflated assistant regi­onal manager and the butt of Tim's jokes; and Dawn - the secretary with the fit but selfish boyfriend - were all beautifully drawn. It was the first British comedy to win a Golden Globe.

Ricky Gervais reveals he doesn't worry about his legacy

"Derek is perfect. He doesn't get stressed by things. I've got a lot in common with him because he's based on me when we were about eight."

Ricky Gervais eyes Glastonbury debut

Ricky Gervais is set to make his debut at the iconic Glastonbury festival after organisers offered him a spot on the bill with his spoof band Foregone Conclusion.

Euthanasia? I'm all for it, says Ricky Gervais

Ricky Gervais has revealed he is 'all for' euthanasia - and hopes it will be as easy as popping into Boots for a tablet when his time comes.

Opinion: Derek - Ricky's Folly?

The debate this time isn't about whether Ricky Gervais is mocking people with learning difficulties, it is whether his portrayal of innocent, saintly, simple soul Derek Noakes has any connection whatsoever with reality.