Gervais to meet comedy heroes in Channel 4 series

by Joe Lepper, Brand Republic 27-Apr-06, 12:30

LONDON – Channel 4 has signed up Ricky Gervais for a four-part series where he meets his comedy idols, including Garry Shandling of 'The Larry Sanders Show' fame.

The series, by 'Peepshow' and 'Derren Brown' creator Objective Productions, is called 'Ricky Gervais Meets' and follows a one-off special in January when 'The Office' and 'Extras' star met his idol, 'Curb Your Enthusiasm' creator Larry David.

It is to be screened in June on Thursday nights and will bolster a new-look evening schedule in the summer that is set to be dominated by the seventh series of 'Big Brother', which begins in three weeks' time on May 8.

The show is currently still in production, with only two heroes confirmed, US comic Garry Shandling and Christopher Guest, co-creator of 'Spinal Tap'.

During each episode, Gervais, who is co-executive producer, will talk to his heroes about their influences and careers.

Gervais said: "Garry Shandling is one of the most influential comedians of the last 25 years. He granted me a very rare interview. So why the f**k did I tell him he looks like Bingo from 'The Banana Splits?'"

Andrew Mackenzie, Channel 4's commissioning editor of factual entertainment, said: "We're thrilled that Ricky has committed to Channel 4 for these films. The access he's getting to global comedy stars is unprecedented."

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