Ricky Gervais has reportedly declined to participate in the BBC's planned 25th-anniversary tribute to The Office, dealing a significant blow to the broadcaster's celebration of the iconic sitcom. The 65-year-old comedian and co-creator will instead produce his own anniversary special on YouTube, which will incorporate elements from his new Netflix animated comedy series Alley Cats.
BBC anniversary special moves forward without Gervais
The BBC recently announced that Martin Freeman and Mackenzie Crook will reunite for a one-off tribute commemorating the show's quarter-century milestone. The Office first aired in July 2001, launching the careers of much of its cast and spawning a hugely successful US adaptation. The BBC will mark the occasion with a special episode of its retrospective series Remembers, which explores popular and influential television programmes.
Noticeably absent from the announcement were both of the show's creators, Stephen Merchant and Gervais, who also portrayed the memorable character David Brent. According to The Sun, neither comedian will be involved in the special. A source told the publication: '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.'
Gervais's representatives cite unavailability
Representatives for Gervais informed The Sun that he 'was not available' to take part in the special but emphasised that he remains in contact with the BBC 'all the time about The Office'. Metro contacted the BBC, which declined to comment on the matter.
Despite Gervais's absence, fans of the sitcom will still hear about him during next month's anniversary special. Crook, who played office pedant Gareth, will share behind-the-scenes anecdotes, including how the creator's on-set antics regularly threatened to derail filming. The Detectorist star and Freeman, who played one half of the office will-they-won't-they romance between Tim and Dawn, will share their memories of making the show in the early 2000s while reflecting on its enduring legacy.
Episode synopsis and air date
The episode synopsis reads: 'It's been more than 15 years since the pair last laid eyes on each other, but the groundbreaking comedy's 25th anniversary has brought them together once again.' The pair will 'share their memories of working – and laughing – alongside Ricky Gervais, co-writer Stephen Merchant, and fellow Wernham Hogg star Lucy Davis, who played Tim's love interest, Dawn.'
Metro also contacted Ricky Gervais and Stephen Merchant for comment. The Office episode of Remembers will air on Wednesday, July 8 at 10pm on BBC Two and iPlayer.
