Ricky Gervais has rejected claims that he snubbed the BBC’s documentary marking 25 years of The Office. The comedian and creator was notably absent from the BBC special. However, Gervais has now explained why he chose not to appear. Gervais created and starred in the hit sitcom as David Brent. He instead marked the anniversary through his own YouTube channel.
His video featured Brent’s 25 greatest moments from the popular comedy series. Meanwhile, the BBC aired a special featuring Martin Freeman and Mackenzie Crook. The documentary looked back at The Office, which first aired in 2001. The sitcom ran for two series before ending in 2003.
Gervais said there was no disagreement between him and the BBC. He also dismissed suggestions that his absence represented a deliberate snub. “I couldn’t be prouder of The Office. It wasn’t a snub to the BBC,” Gervais told Saga Magazine. He explained that he had already planned his own anniversary project. Therefore, appearing in the BBC documentary could have weakened his own celebration.
“I was already doing my own thing for my YouTube channel,” he said. “Doing theirs would have watered mine down.” Gervais’s representative had previously addressed his absence. They said the actor was unavailable for the BBC programme.
The representative also insisted there was no rift between Gervais and the broadcaster. They said he remains in regular contact with the BBC about The Office. The sitcom remains one of Britain’s most celebrated comedies. It follows employees at the fictional Wernham Hogg paper company in Slough.
Gervais played the company’s awkward manager, David Brent. Martin Freeman portrayed Tim Canterbury, while Mackenzie Crook played Gareth Keenan. Elsewhere, Gervais discussed his long-term relationship with author Jane Fallon. The couple have been together for around 40 years. Gervais revealed that they plan to marry. He joked that inheritance tax would provide the main motivation.
The comedian also recently showed his support for former Office co-star Lucy Davis. Davis revealed earlier this month that she has incurable breast cancer. Gervais responded to Davis’s emotional Instagram post with a heart emoji. Other former colleagues also offered messages of support. Despite missing the BBC anniversary special, Gervais has made clear that he remains proud of The Office. His comments also appear to have put to rest speculation about a feud with the broadcaster.
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