Ricky Gervais has denied reports that he snubbed the BBC's documentary marking the 25th anniversary of The Office. The 65-year-old comedian and actor, known for After Life and Derek, has been at the centre of controversy in recent weeks after he appeared to erase his co-creator Stephen Merchant during his own anniversary video.
The controversy comes as his new animated Netflix series Alley Cats soared to number one in the streaming charts, despite fans labelling it as 'exhaustingly bad' and Metro's brutal one-star review. TV insiders had previously labelled the star's absence from the BBC special as a 'huge blow' to the broadcaster.
Gervais Sets the Record Straight
Speaking to Saga Magazine, Gervais was asked directly whether he chose not to take part in the BBC's tribute. 'That's nonsense,' he said. 'I couldn't be prouder of The Office. It wasn't a snub to the BBC. I was already doing my own thing [to mark the anniversary] for my YouTube channel and doing theirs would have watered mine down.'
The BBC announced that Martin Freeman and Mackenzie Crook would reunite for a one-off tribute to the iconic sitcom's quarter-century milestone. The comedy series first aired 25 years ago in July, launching the careers of several cast members. However, noticeably absent from the BBC's special episode of its retrospective series Remembers—which celebrates popular and influential TV shows—were either of the show's creators, Stephen Merchant or Gervais, who starred as David Brent.
A source previously told The Sun: 'The BBC making a documentary about The Office without getting Ricky on board is a huge blow as it spoils their celebration somewhat. It just sums up his lack of allegiance towards the Beeb which has been drifting for some time now.'
No Rift, Says Representative
Gervais's representatives told Metro that there is no rift between the comedian and the BBC. He 'was not available' to take part in the special, but he remains in contact with the Beeb 'all the time about The Office'. His rep said: 'Ricky will be marking the show's anniversary with his own content to continue growing his YouTube channel. This also killed two birds with one stone at a busy time for him with the upcoming Alley Cats release on Netflix, and working up his new stand-up tour Legend. Full details will follow in due course, but the content will be an affectionate look back at the show on this big anniversary.'
Elsewhere in his interview with Saga Magazine, Gervais said that he would never agree to go on The Celebrity Traitors despite being an avid fan of the show, because he doesn't 'want to be filmed playing'. 'What good can come of that?' he asked. 'I like watching MMA [Mixed Martial Arts], I don't want to do it. I don't want to be doing something I'm not in control of. I don't want to be away from home playing a game with strangers.'
Future Plans and Retirement Thoughts
Asked about his new comedy tour Legend, which starts in September, he said he has no plans to retire, even though touring takes its toll. 'My dad worked on a building site until he was 70. That's hard work. I just stand there talking,' he said. 'I still moan and wake up the next morning feeling like I've been run over. The adrenaline takes it out of you. It's like driving really fast for an hour in heavy traffic – easy until you make a mistake – so you mustn't.'
'I know, I should be pottering around my garden shed, but I don't think I could sit around doing nothing. You work so you have a reason to sit on the couch and watch telly every night.'
Gervais's comments come as he continues to support The Office star Lucy Davis, who recently announced a cancer diagnosis. The comedian has publicly backed Davis following her 'incurable' cancer diagnosis, and he remains active in promoting his various projects, including his YouTube channel and upcoming stand-up tour.
