Ricky Gervais

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.

My favourite TV show: The Office

For those of us who were teenagers when Ricky Gervais' sitcom arrived, The Office was more than just a great comedy - David Brent and his colleagues formed the basis for the way we relate to each other.

With The Graham Norton Show not due back on our screens until next month, here's a chance for Alan Carr to gain a ratings foothold in the Great Friday Night Chatshow Wars. The lineup for this returning episode of Chatty Man - Ricky Gervais and Gary Barlow - is a little underwhelming, but at least Gervais is bringing Muppets Most Wanted co-stars Kermit The Frog and his identical nemesis Constantine along for some felt fun. Barlow's contribution sounds less enticing: a performance of his new soft-rock single, Since I Saw You Last.

Nipping in a week ahead of his big Friday night rival Graham Norton, Alan Carr (left) kicks off a new series of lippy chat and louche one-liners by inviting Ricky Gervais and Jessica Hynes to lock comedy horns. Those two can give as good as they get, so it could be a riot. Calming things down will be Gary Barlow, continuing on his highly successful solo comeback with new single Since I Saw You Last.

Ricky Gervais: 'Muppets inspired my comedy career'

"The Muppets were very important part of my childhood," reminisces Ricky Gervais.

Ricky Gervais: I want to do more Derek

The writer and star of the Channel 4 comedy reveals he will do "a special, at least" to follow the second series set to air from 23 April.