Stephen Merchant

Warwick Davis joining Karl on An Idiot Abroad

TV Gossip

26 Apr 2012

Warwick Davis will join Karl Pilkington on the third series of 'An Idiot Abroad'. Ricky Gervais and Stephen Merchant are sending Karl around the world for a third time with the 'Life's Too Short' star as his first ever companion on 'An Idiot Abroad…

Stars share memories of Doctor Who in new book

TV Gossip

5 Mar 2012

A new 'Doctor Who' book featuring celebrities' childhood memories of the sci-fi show has gone on sale. 'Behind the Sofa' includes contributions from over 100 famous fans, such as Charlie Brooker, Jonathan Ross, Josie Long, Rufus Hound and Stephen…

Round-up of 2011: Comedy

Tim Key, Tommy Tiernan, Stephen Merchant, Luke Wright and Jerry Sadowitz make our laugh-list

9 Jan 2012

Tim Key Having netted Edinburgh’s big fat award for comedy in 2009, the former Coward blasted back in August with an absolute corker of a show. Masterslut was a masterclass of interactive improv raised to glorious levels by the most memorable use of a…

Best of 2011: Comedy

The best comedy shows of 2011, including Tim Key, Tommy Tiernan, Stephen Merchant, Luke Wright and J

14 Dec 2011

Tim Key Having netted Edinburgh’s big fat award for comedy in 2009, the former Coward blasted back in August with an absolute corker of a show. Masterslut was a masterclass of interactive improv raised to glorious levels by the most memorable use of a…

Channel Hopper - Life's Too Short

Ricky Gervais and Stephen Merchant team up with short actor Warwick Davis for new comedy mock-doc

15 Nov 2011

When Ricky Gervais and Stephen Merchant set about their next major BBC project, they must have wondered whether to go for the docu-drama fakery of The Office or the celeb-heavy naturalism of Extras. In the end they squashed the two together for Life’s…

Interview: Stephen Merchant on his upcoming UK tour

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

21 Sep 2011

During the Edinburgh Fringe of 2001 a quartet of lesser-known comedians took to the Café Royal stage to perform consecutive sets under the umbrella show title Rubbernecker. The first three of these gents were Ricky Gervais, Jimmy Carr and Robin Ince.

Ricky Gervais encourages dwarf fight

TV Gossip

11 Jul 2011

Ricky Gervais encouraged the dwarf actors on his latest comedy series to fight each other. The funnyman has directed 'Life's Too Short' - a fictional day-to-day account of dwarf actor Warwick Davis and his talent agency, Dwarves for Hire - and he and…

Sandra Bullock to star in Ricky Gervais' comedy

TV Gossip

7 Jul 2011

Sandra Bullock is to appear in Ricky Gervais' new comedy series. The Oscar-winning actress has agreed to appear in 'Life's Too Short' - a mocumentary following Dwarf actor Warwick Davis as he runs as talent agency for short people - alongside Keith…

The Ricky Gervais Show recomissioned

TV Gossip

8 Apr 2011

Ricky Gervais' animated comedy show has been commissioned for a third series. Both Channel 4 and US broadcaster HBO have agreed to another run of 'The Ricky Gervais Show' which is based on the podcasts created by the 'Extras' star, Stephen Merchant…

Hall Pass high on gross-out but low on entertainment

Farrelly Brothers’ take on wife-sanctioned adultery is just unfunny

1 Apr 2011

(15) 105min From its preoccupations with midlife crises and marital woes, it’s tempting to think that Hall Pass represents the Farrelly Brothers having grown up. Rest assured however, there are plenty of gross-out gags – culminating in what may be…

Tooth Fairy

28 May 2010

Wrestler turned actor Dwayne Johnson, aka The Rock, has a genial charm that’s salvaged many a predictable family flick – The Game Plan and Escape to Witch Mountain among them, but his best efforts raise few smiles in Michael Lembeck’s leaden…

Cemetery Junction

29 Mar 2010

(15) 95min Having co-directed The Office and Extras, it was only a matter of time before Ricky Gervais and Stephen Merchant brought their combined talents to the big screen. The result, however, may surprise. Cemetery Junction is largely free of the…

Also Published - 5 Humour Books

2 Oct 2008

Benrik Ltd - A Book for People Who Want to Become Stinking Rich But Aren’t Quite Sure How The folk who annually bring us This Diary Will Change Your Life offer tips on overhauling airport security and getting really close to the mega-famous.