Voicing characters in animated films has become a must-have on the CV of any self-respecting actor these days, so it's no surprise that Steve Carell, one of the more recognisable faces of US comedy, is bouncing around on Norton's sofa to champion his new role as Gru in Despicable Me 2. Jostling alongside Carell are Irish actor Chris O'Dowd (Moone Boy, The IT Crowd) - star of US mockumentary Family Tree, coming soon to BBC2 - and US singer Josh Groban, fresh from a gig at London's O2 arena. But will any of tonight's guests be as trigger-happy on the red chair lever as Russell Crowe was last week?

Last week's episode of the "Let's All Laugh At Dwarfs" sitcom skidded right across the line from poor taste into the downright offensive.

This week, we're back on slightly safer ground, although the show would get a much easier ride if it was clear whether we're supposed to be laughing WITH Warwick Davis instead of merely at him.

This week he falls out of his car, again, down a toilet and off a bookcase.

It doesn't do much for ­political ­correctness, but it is an excellent showcase for Davis's comedic skills.

Meanwhile, they've saved on the plane fare for this week's big name guest star - Steve Carell from the US version of The Office - who appears via Skype.

No such expense was spared for Right Said Fred, though, who turn up in the flesh to give Warwick a leg-up at the Society Of People Of Small Stature.

After the low point, as it were, of last week, things pick up slightly, so instead of feeling outrageous and misjudged, the comedy feels merely flat and undercooked. Warwick Davies does sterling work but the kind of deluded, conceited anti-hero he plays needs meaty plots to romp around in and here not enough happens.

Davies's character looks at a flat and gets locked in the bathroom; makes a play to oust the dull chairman of his dwarves' rights group; and sits in on a Skype chat between Ricky Gervais and Steve Carell that goes badly wrong.

If you think this series has been iffy so far, you're advised to tune in tonight, if only to have your worst fears confirmed. As Warwick copes with divorce negotiations with only his accountant for representation and checks out a new flat with his idiot PA, we're subjected to a relentless volley of little-person gags that leave us, like the estate agent, looking on with unsmiling, dumbfounded horror. How on earth was this ever waved through? What happened to Gervais? As ever, redemption comes briefly in the form of the celebrity insert - this week, it's Steve Carell.

Ricky Gervais: 'NBC won't cancel The Office'

Ricky Gervais has expressed his belief that Steve Carell's Office exit won't lead to the show's cancellation.

Catherine Tate to replace Steve Carell on US Office?

Catherine Tate is to appear on the last episode of NBC's The Office as a candidate for the Office Manager postition, due to be vacated by Steve Carell. That means she could be taking over his role.

Ricky Gervais muses on Steve Carell's Office exit

Ricky Gervais has insisted that NBC's The Office should not attempt to replace lead actor Steve Carell.

Audiences for Tina Fey's comedy series 30 Rock are so tiny, both in its native America and over here where it's shown on Comedy Central, that they are barely visible to the naked eye. Yet critical acclaim has been so overwhelming and the awards so numerous (it's won Golden Globes and Emmys) that Fey, 30 Rock's creator, writer and lead actor, is now a huge star with a Hollywood film career. Her latest movie, Date Night starring The (US) Office's Steve Carell, is out in Britain shortly. She also became so notorious for her deadly impressions of Sarah Palin on Saturday Night Live ("I can see Russia from my house!") that she was widely credited with torpedoing Palin's vice-presidential hopes. Fey's a bright, witty woman who sparkles in interviews so Ross won't have to work too hard tonight. Sharing sofa-space with Fey are the chef with the Bunsen burner, Heston Blumenthal, and actor Aaron Johnson, who played John Lennon in the Brit-flick Nowhere Boy. Groove Armada featuring Will Young provide the music.

The ego has landed: David Brent to star in US Office

Ricky Gervais to appear opposite Steve Carell as Slough's finest comes face-to-face with his American alter ego.