Life's Too Short

Green-lighted by BBC. Could be good.

The BBC has confirmed that it has commissioned a six-part series of Ricky Gervais and Stephen Merchant's new series Life's Too Short.

The series, starring 3ft 6in actor Warwick Davis, will be filmed next year, following a successful pilot.

News of the commission for BBC Two comes as little surprise, as Gervais has long been talking of it as a series - and has even said he plans a film spin-off.

Both he and Merchant will appear as themselves in the show, which revolves around Davis's daily frustrations as a dwarf actor.

Gervais said: 'Third in our trilogy of TV sitcoms, Life's Too Short is another naturalist observational comedy, dealing with everyday problems, human foibles and social faux pas... but with a dwarf.'

Davis added: 'I am absolutely thrilled that the BBC has green-lit the first series of Life's Too Short. For me, it is my dream acting job. I will be collaborating with the very best in the business.'

Davis - whose credits include Star Wars and the Harry Potter series - previously worked with the duo on an episode of extras.

The series will be made in-house at the BBC with Gervais and Merchant directing and executive producing alongside BBC comedy chief Mark Freeland.

Freeland said: 'Warwick Davis has done it all - blockbuster movies, books... but never starred in a comedy series on BBC Two. But that's about to change and it's incredibly exciting.'

Seeing as you beat my thread by two minutes I shall just add what I put in your thread :-)

Series commissioned by the BBC. Not very surprising as I'm sure Ricky and Stephen knew even before they filmed the pilot that they were going to get a series.

Looking forward to seeing this show. Seems like it will be in the style of Curb, but isn't everything nowadays??!! I think if anyone can truly do something original but in the style of Curb, it's Gervais and Merchant.

Like them or not, probably two of the most talented men in the industry right now, and hopefully for many years to come.

I hope they go easy on the "optimism and warmth"

Look forward to this!

I'm sure a while ago they were saying they were done with the sitcom after Extras, glad they changed their minds.

I am remaining eagerly optimistic. I think Gervais is a massive tool, but I can't knock his mad sitcom skillz.

I'm a big Gervais fan, but I didn't like him cosying up to roylaty the other day. I suppose he can't help who his fans are, but still...

Oh, let's not have this fall into another 'I hate Gervais because, no, he's brilliant because' thread.

Let's talk about Warwick Davies. Apart from Extras, does he have any other comedy credentials?

Quote: Matthew Stott @ September 17 2010, 1:21 PM BST

Oh, let's not have this fall into another 'I hate Gervais because, no, he's brilliant because' thread.

I dislike him for that one thing. Specifically.

Has the pilot been shown??

Quote: Kevin Murphy @ September 17 2010, 1:22 PM BST

Let's talk about Warwick Davies. Apart from Extras, does he have any other comedy credentials?

He's not writing it, so as long as he performs okay, all is well.

Quote: Kevin Murphy @ September 17 2010, 1:22 PM BST

Let's talk about Warwick Davies. Apart from Extras, does he have any other comedy credentials?

Hitchhiker's Guide movie- but obviously that was non-speaking.

Quote: Nat Wicks @ September 17 2010, 1:26 PM BST

Hitchhiker's Guide movie- but obviously that was non-speaking.

Oh and of course the Leprechaun movies.

Quote: zooo @ September 17 2010, 1:24 PM BST

Has the pilot been shown??

Yes. Not on TV, but I'm sure it's been shown to someone.

Quote: Nat Wicks @ September 17 2010, 1:26 PM BST

Hitchhiker's Guide movie- but obviously that was non-speaking.

That was hardly 'comedy' though. Supposed to be. But wasn't.

Quote: Nat Wicks @ September 17 2010, 1:27 PM BST

Oh and of course the Leprechaun movies.

Lepreporn?

I don't remember this, but IMDB tells me he was in an episode of the Fast Show.

Quote: john lucas 101 @ September 17 2010, 1:28 PM BST

Lepreporn?

Sick