Stephen Merchant interview

An interview with Stephen Merchant.

Stephen Merchant's sitcom writing tips

Stephen Merchant's guide to creating the perfect sitcom...

Q&A: Stephen Merchant

Stephen Merchant, 38, was born in Bristol. After studying film and literature, in 1997 he became Ricky Gervais's assistant at Xfm radio, and they went on to create the award-winning television series The Office. He toured the world with Hello Ladies, a stand-up show about his quest to find love, which he turned into a sitcom, now on Sky Atlantic. He is still single and lives in London.

Stephen Merchant interview

Stephen Merchant, 38, made his name as Ricky Gervais's creative partner. Now he's taking centre stage with his own US sitcom, Hello Ladies.

New interview: Stephen Merchant

Success doesn't seem to have changed him since I first interviewed him a decade ago. He was very friendly and very open.

Stephen Merchant: The Office won't be revived

Stephen Merchant has told Digital Spy that he doesn't believe Ricky Gervais's plan to bring back David Brent in a movie means that there's any chance of a UK Office revival.

Stephen Merchant on love, short actors and orthodontics

His new sitcom is about a gawky Brit struggling to find romance in Los Angeles. A case of art imitating life? Yes, says the comedian. And no...

Stephen Merchant talks about his HBO sitcom

The Office co-creator Stephen Merchant, who stars in his HBO series Hello Ladies, spins awkwardness into comedy.

Sadly, it looks as though there will be no second series of Life's Too Short, but my favourite comedy of 2011 enjoyed a last hurrah, thanks to a one-hour special that addressed many of the faults, and played to the strengths, of its first run.

Gone were the gratuitous physical humiliations visited upon star Warwick Davis, along with the David Brent mannerisms bequeathed him by writers Ricky Gervais and Stephen Merchant.

Instead, Davis was given free rein to explore the comic potential of his complex, conflicted and constantly embattled character. Rosamund Hanson provided scene-stealing support as dippy secretary Cheryl.

Extra helpings of guest stars playing either unflattering or unsympathetic versions of themselves were also served up. Shaun Williamson, Keith Chegwin and Les Dennis all made a welcome return - "Three Z-list celebrities make one D-list celebrity," encouraged Davis as they embarked on their All Star roadshow - with a surprise appearance from the former Hollywood star and one-time screen Batman Val Kilmer.

With an enthusiasm that bordered upon self-flagellation, Kilmer portrayed himself as a slightly deranged fantasist and maniacal con man who raises, and then shatters, Warwick's dreams of a sequel to Willow.

Painfully poignant, beautifully played and constantly inventive, this one-hour special conclusively proved that Life's Too Short's own end was also premature.

Stephen Merchant on how a waitress helped his comedy

Office co-creator Stephen Merchant has revealed how a waitress saved his comedy career.