Ricky Gervais

Ricky Gervais: 'Mock the disabled? Me?'

The creator of David Brent, and scourge of Oscars celebs, has a new show - about a carer who seems to have learning difficulties. This comes after he made headlines supposedly insulting those with Down's syndrome. The comedian explains it all to Gerard Gilbert.

After taking a step back from starring roles in recent years, Ricky Gervais returns to centre stage with his latest comedy persona, Derek. Unlike previous egotistical, fame hungry characters such as David Brent and Andy Millman, Derek Noakes is a sweet, compassionate man who works in a retirement home. He loves his job, cares deeply for the residents and enjoys the simple things in life such as Deal or No Deal and puddings. In short, Gervais' new creation represents a major change from what was becoming an all too familiar and tired act.

Although not laugh out loud funny, Derek has a certain charm and warmness not often seen in any of Gervais' past efforts and although this is a one off it shows more than enough potential to justify a full series. Also look out for regular Gervais collaborator Karl Pilkington in his debut acting role playing Derek's best mate.

Derek preview

Derek proves that Ricky Gervais can still produce raw emotion and make you care about a character in a way that I'm not sure many other comedic actors can.

Ricky Gervais: 'I make it for me, not the public'

Ricky Gervais courts more controversy with a new Channel 4 comedy that look sure to divide the critics...

Gervais: Karl Pilkington has proven to be a great actor

Ricky Gervais says his friend and fellow podcaster Karl Pilkington has proven to be a 'great' actor after making his debut in the comedian's new Channel 4 show Derek.

Ricky Gervais slams poor treatment of the elderly

Ricky Gervais has slammed the treatment of old folk in the UK, saying the nation focuses too much on youth.

Ricky Gervais in Derek - review

The upcoming C4 comedy about a man with learning difficulties isn't the bad-taste train crash you might expect.

Review: Ricky Gervais in Derek

Where Kerry Godliman and Ricky Gervais turn in naturalistic performances, wringing humour from their characters' behaviour, Karl Pilkington is there in a comedy wig, being Karl Pilkington. It doesn't quite gel.

What is Ricky Gervais's new comedy pilot like?

While the format may seem a bit too familiar, the character of Derek is a breath of fresh air from the egotistical, often obnoxious leads of past projects and it's his sunny charm that really sucks you to into the show.

Karl Pilkington signs up to An Idiot Abroad spin-off

Karl Pilkington has signed on the dotted line for An Idiot Abroad spin-off The Short Way Round, according to the show's creator Ricky Gervais.