Stephen Merchant

You suspect Ricky Gervais, Stephen Merchant and BBC2 are getting their defence in first with this "making of" doc, screened before the start on Thursday of their new comedy series, Life's Too Short, starring dwarf actor Warwick Davis.

Gervais insists they aren't making fun of small people, though the Davis character has "a small man complex". Celebrity guests doing Extras-type cameos - Johnny Depp, Liam Neeson and Helena Bonham Carter - tell us why they wanted to take part.

Life's Too Short: watch an exclusive clip - video

Life's Too Short, a new comedy series written and directed by Ricky Gervais and Stephen Merchant, is a fake documentary starring real-life dwarf actor Warwick Davis as a fictional version of himself - fame obsessed and self-centred but always getting his comeuppance.

Ricky Gervais and Stephen Merchant interview

Ricky Gervais and Stephen Merchant tell TV Choice more about Life's Too Short, and reflect on how it compares to their earlier work in The Office and Extras...

Audio: Stephen Merchant reveals why he can't get a date

Comedian Stephen Merchant says he finds it difficult to meet the right woman.

The writer and star of The Office told Radio 5 live's Richard Bacon that he thinks his struggle comes from a lack of confidence as a teenager.

Stephen Merchant interview

Stephen Merchant bounds onto stage with a spring in his ample step, energetically greets his rapturous audience and launches into his routine. Straight away, one of the best things about solo stand-up, he tells us, is... "not having to share the cash with you know who".

GQ: Life's Too Short exclusive

A video in which Stephen Merchant and Ricky Gervais discuss the clothing choices of Warwick Davis.

Interview: Stephen Merchant, comedian, actor, writer

It might not seem possible to live in the shadow of someone else when you are a towering 6ft 7ins tall, yet for a time, that was the impression Stephen Merchant gave. The 36-year-old, who co-wrote and co-directed the award-winning comedies The Office and Extras, often appeared to play second fiddle to the egregious Ricky Gervais.

Interview: Stephen Merchant, writer, comedian and actor

Busy Stephen Merchant has wound up Hollywood's pundits, sold The Office to Afghanistan and Chile, has a star-studded TV comedy on the way... and now he's returning to stand-up.

Thanks Ricky Gervais for improving lives of disabled

As the mother of two disabled daughters I thank Ricky Gervais and Stephen Merchant for the way they have highlighted discrimination and ignorance.

Interview: Stephen Merchant on his upcoming UK tour

Comic and writer of The Office returns to stand-up for his "Hello Ladies" tour.