Derek. Image shows from L to R: Dougie (Karl Pilkington), Derek (Ricky Gervais). Copyright: Derek Productions
Derek

Derek

  • TV sitcom
  • Channel 4
  • 2012 - 2014
  • 14 episodes (2 series)

Bittersweet comedy drama written by and starring Ricky Gervais as a worker in a retirement home. Also features Kerry Godliman, David Earl, Holli Dempsey, Brett Goldstein, Karl Pilkington and more.

Series 2 Cast interview

Derek. Image shows from L to R: Hannah (Kerry Godliman), Derek (Ricky Gervais). Copyright: Derek Productions

In this feature, the main actors supporting Ricky Gervais on Derek talk about what is in store for their characters in Series 2...

Kerry Godliman

Derek. Hannah (Kerry Godliman). Copyright: Derek Productions

Kerry Godliman plays care home manager Hannah...

Where is Hannah at the beginning of the second series?

She's in love, and happy. It's a nice new angle on her life, and it's been great fun to play. Has it affected her relationship with Derek? No, that's unique and special. It's very much intact and consistent. Derek is not jealous - he is not like that. It's a different dynamic between him and her. There's this great trust between Hannah and Derek and a very reliable sense of affection.

Hannah's feelings remain the same - she knows that Derek is a very loving person and that he brings out the best in her. She's very protective - wants to shield him from women who are less sweet. She doesn't want him to be corrupted. She knows that he's a very open person who is not judgemental or cynical or any of the other bad things the rest of us are.

A lot of heroes on TV are bullies, and a lot of shows are about Schadenfreude; we watch people being rubbish at something to make ourselves feel better. But Derek is the opposite. Viewers might be relieved to see a hero who shows you different ways of behaving. He is compassionate and giving and loving. I think that's quite a brave thing to portray.

How do you find acting with Ricky?

He is lovely to act with. As the character of Derek has grown and the response has been so warm, I feel as if I have discovered things about Derek that weren't there before. He is an incredible character who just keeps on growing. The response to him has been amazing. During our scenes together, it is not hard to convey that fondness and warmth towards him because I feel it.

How would you characterise Ricky as a director?

He's very relaxed. He creates a great atmosphere on set, and he is lots of fun. Corpsing is not a problem as long as we get a scene at the end of it.

What have fans said to you about the show?

They love it. I have genuinely had an overwhelming response. A lot of people say that as they watch it they laugh through the tears. The fact that people can laugh and sob at the same time is something new - it's not something they have experienced every week.

The people I have been particularly touched by are family friends who work in care. They have told me that they really recognise the place we have conjured up. They think it accurately captures a care home. For them, there is something familiar about the world we have created. People have said to me, "When I'm old, I want to go to Broad Hill Retirement Home." I've also had a lot of emails from people who have mental health issues in their family. Those pieces of feedback are the richest.

People have really latched on to the character of Hannah, haven't they?

Yes. Some people have said to me, "I want Hannah to look after me when I get older." I have to explain to them very patiently that I'm not actually Hannah. That's upsetting to some people. I'd be awful as a care worker. I think you'd struggle to find many comedians who'd make good carers!

Are you and Hannah very similar?

No, we not very alike. I'd aspire to be more like her. I'd like her patience and her benevolence. I particularly like the fact that she is not judgemental. Some people feel that Kev doesn't belong in the nursing home. But Hannah doesn't have a problem with him because she cares for everyone and Kev is clearly desperate for care. She doesn't see him as any different from anyone else. He is a damaged soul who needs affection.

If it were to be commissioned, would you be keen to make a third series of Derek?

Definitely. There are lots of new places to take it. As we keep moving forward, the show will throw up a lot of new stories - life does that. Is there more to say? The show is so human that that is like saying," Is there more to say in real life?" I ruddy hope so!

David Earl

Derek. Kev (David Earl). Copyright: Derek Productions

David Earl has the task of portraying seedy Kev...

Where do we find Kev at the start of the new series?

He's back to his old self. He goes for a job interview as a caretaker at the nursing home. He tries to clean himself up and make a difference, but all the same, you can't really employ him. He's quite sweet, but unemployable!

How would you characterise him?

He's like a dog in the corner of the nursing home. People just accept that there's this mangy looking mutt there. He needs a good stroke. During the course of this series, he reveals a deep self-loathing. We also meet his brother. He's not great - he makes Kev look normal!

How does the relationship between Kevin and Derek develop?

They become best mates. Kev is looking out for Derek now. He is like an older brother to him. They're a double act. Kev hasn't got anyone else. He looks up to Derek and admires the way deals with other people. At one point, Kev steps up to the plate and tries to sort things out for Derek. It's very touching.

Why has the show resonated with audiences?

People have latched on to the series because it is so warm. It also keeps shifting in tone. You need that because the show can't be 100 percent about kindness. You have to have a bit of dirt thrown in. Kevin will give you a bit of dirt to provide relief for viewers from all the kindness!

Does the focus on kindness make the show stand out?

Yes. It's unusual in this cynical age to have a programme extolling kindness. Maybe comedy and kindness don't normally go hand-in-hand, but Ricky has found a great way of achieving it.

What has the fans' response to the show been?

On Twitter, it's been 100 percent positive. They're always really nice about the programme, and that's lovely. People also come up to me on the street and say how much they adore the show. That's really nice, too. But that has only happened in the last month since I've grown Kev's moustache again. Before that, it was quite pleasant to walk around in disguise!

If asked, would you like to return from third series?

Without a doubt, I'd love to come back. I can see Kev finding love because you wouldn't expect that. It would be nice to give him a happy ending.

What's been like working with Ricky?

It's been brilliant. He's the funniest bloke I've ever met. He's just been telling me about another comedian who never turns off and is constantly funny - Ricky really wants look at himself! He gives me so much opportunity to play as Kev. It doesn't feel like a job at all!

How similar are you to Kev?

I don't do any of the pervy things that he does. I'm not like him at all, thank God!

Holli Dempsey

Derek. Vicky (Holli Dempsey). Copyright: Derek Productions

Holli Dempsey has a more prominent role in the second series...

What is happening to Vicky at the start of the second series of Derek?

Vicky is in a much better place. She's found her way. She's discovered something she's good at. She does nails and hair extensions for OAPs, and that snowballs. She likes to care for people - for her that's the most important thing in the world.

She's into hair, nails, clothes and boys. She is on the cusp of being growing up and being cool. Working in a care home is not that cool, but she does it because she sees the good in people like Hannah and Derek. You can really see the growth in her during this series.

What does Vicky think of Hannah and Derek?

She really admires Hannah. She knows she's really strong and can handle anything. Vicky looks up to Hannah and wants to turn out like her. She also thinks Derek's kindness is infectious. You'd have to be a horrible person not to be infected by him. She loves him because he is so sweet and kind.

How have you found Ricky as a director?

You almost forget that he's the director because he's so relaxed. He's really good at communicating - you always know what he wants. He also laughs constantly - that can't be a bad thing. The mood on set is always up, and that means everyone looks forward to coming to work with him every morning.

What has it been like working with Ricky the actor?

I find it so interesting to see the transition between Ricky and Derek. Ricky will be laughing and joking as the director, and then suddenly he will snap into the character of Derek. That underlines what a tremendous actor he is.

In one episode of the new series, Vicky accompanies the pensioners on a trip to the zoo. Did you enjoy filming those scenes?

Absolutely. It was brilliant fun. Ricky was clearly in his element - he loves animals, as we all do. The storyline was about how much the old people were loving their day out, but the truth is the rest of us loved it just as much.

Does Derek have something to teach us about the way we regard older people?

Definitely. Especially in this country, we have a great fear of getting older. People are scared of mortality. I have friends from India and Africa who don't see that. We can learn a lot from the show, and it can help us to become less frightened of getting older. Everyone who's watched Derek says that it's made them think, and that can only be a good thing. If it makes you pick up the phone to your granny or your auntie, that's more than enough.

What message do you think that Derek sends out?

The message is so basic: be kind - that's an inherent human instinct that we forget about all too often. The show stands out because its message is so simple, but so strong. Everyone can relate to it because everyone can relate to the idea of trying to be more kind. That really rings true for people.

Brett Goldstein

Derek. Tom (Brett Goldstein). Copyright: Derek Productions

Brett Goldstein is back as Tom...

What appealed to you about this project?

The chance to work with the greatest people in comedy. I've always wanted to work with Ricky Gervais. When they asked me, "Do you want to work on Ricky Gervais' new series?" did I say, "Hang on, I'll have a think about that. I'm very busy at the moment. I've got to do a gig above a pub for 10 quid tonight"? Of course I didn't! I said, "Yes, please! It's the new Ricky Gervais show, for God's sake!"

Talk us through your character...

Tom is quite a serious man. He's also quite frustrated as he was in the merchant navy and is now landlocked. There's no work, and he feels undervalued. But on the upside, he's fallen in love with Hannah.

What brings them together?

Tom really likes Hannah, and let's face it, the competition isn't up to much. It's Tom or Kev! Tom's lucky in that if he stands next to Kev, he'll look like someone with prospects, even though doesn't have any. But he seems like a real catch because Kev is always so drunk.

What does Tom see in Hannah?

She is lovely. She looks after people. She's a very good person, she's funny, and she's fit. That's three very good reasons.

How would you assess Ricky's directing?

He's brilliant. He's like a toddler in a playground who's allowed all the toys and put in charge for the day. It's like the Make a Wish Foundation - you can run the playground for today. You look at the results and think, "How did that turn out so well?"

Would there be mileage in a third series?

Absolutely. I hope there would be a future in Hannah and Tom's relationship. It would be a shame if Tom were killed off between series. It would be sad if the next series opened with someone saying, "I'm sorry to hear that Tom died at sea."

Why has the show proved so popular?

People love it because it's so warm. In fact, it's an unusually warm show. Now it's established, the characters feel like one big family. We all hang out together in one room, and the
atmosphere is lovely.

What do you hope that audiences will take away from the show?

I think it helps us reassess our view of old people. One of the treats of making Derek is that I get to hang out all day with old people. That's not something I've done a lot. My grandparents are sadly no longer with us. There are not many opportunities for different generations to mix. It's like Martin Luther King said: "Stick everyone together, and we'll all be alright." I'm paraphrasing.

Karl Pilkington

Derek. Dougie (Karl Pilkington). Copyright: Derek Productions

Karl Pilkington is back - briefly - as Dougie...

When Ricky offered you the role of Dougie, did you initially reject it?

Yes. I felt guilty about the idea of taking the job from a proper actor. But Ricky persisted.

Please describe Dougie to us...

Dougie is me if I hadn't had any luck. Although he hasn't been very lucky, he always tries his best. Deep down he still knows that life is basically rubbish, but he can't do anything about it.

Does he enjoy his job at the nursing home?

As much as he moans about his job, part of him likes it. It gives him a sense of worth. Like a lot of people, the highlight of his week is Friday when he gets paid. But despite his
complaints, Dougie knows he has to keep working. In fact, he thinks that everyone should work. He hates scroungers and people who come to the nursing home hoping to benefit from their relatives' wills. He's always complaining about Britain's Got Talent and people who don't want to work for a living and just look for an easy life.

Does this mean you are now going to focus entirely on acting?

No. This is not a new line of work from me. I'm not looking to become an actor. I still don't feel like a proper actor. Kerry is a proper actress. When you're doing a scene with her, you're looking over your shoulder and thinking, "Blimey, she's really good". I always think, "I can't do that. I'm going to get found out here!" The hardest part is remembering the lines and trying not to laugh. Ricky is determined to make me laugh all the time - that must drive the crew mad!

Have you benefited from this job?

Yes. I've learnt a lot, and it's been a great experience. Ricky has been great. From the start, he's told me, "You can do it. What are you worried about?" I suppose I can't believe my luck. I've got no qualifications, but I've been given this great opportunity and I want to make the most of it. I suppose Ricky didn't go to drama school, either. In the end, if you can convincingly be that person onscreen, what does it matter?

What will you take away from the experience?

I'm a bit rubbish at knowing when something is good. But if it goes out and I can say, "I wasn't as bad as I thought I would be", then I'll be happy. Until then, I'll be thinking, "I shouldn't be here!"

Finally, why do you think the show work so well?

It messes with your emotions - it makes you laugh and cry - and there is not much around like that.

Colin Hoult

Derek. Geoff (Colin Hoult). Copyright: Derek Productions

Colin Hoult joins the show as new character Geoff...

What attracted you to the show?

Two words: Ricky Gervais. I'm a huge fan. I worked with him before on Life's Too Short. I was doing scenes with Keith Chegwin, Shaun Williamson and Les Dennis, and it is one of the most fun things I've ever done.

Please outline your character in Derek for us...

Geoff is not the nicest character, which will come as a bit of a shocker in a programme based on kindness. But hopefully viewers will eventually warm to him because he has a big vulnerability that people will spot.

Is he a case of arrested development, then?

Yes. Geoff is basically a little boy who has never grown up or had to deal with people. He picks on people, but he's actually quite scared. He likes to lord it over people, but that's never got him anywhere. Kev says to him, "You're a right knob", and he's right. But it's hard to play a knob because a knob doesn't know he's a knob.

Do you play him as a baddie?

No. I don't play up Geoff's nastiness. He's not overly malevolent. He just thinks, "I don't get old people". He is the voice of people who mouth bigoted opinions without thinking. He's like certain newspapers - he comes at things from that place. He comes out with a lot of prejudiced views that people hold about benefits "spongers". Geoff is quite challenging to play because he is clearly not someone you would want to be. Hopefully audiences will see that. Is he based on people I know? Yes, but obviously I can't say who!

How would you describe Ricky as a director?

He lets you do your own thing. He's a very loose. You're allowed to go all over the place. He encourages a lot of improvisation, which he really likes. That's a joyous feeling because Ricky is also a comedian. In addition, he likes to leave early and have lunch early. Every morning he says, "How can it only be 10 o'clock?" So he has the same mentality as everyone else on set.

What distinguishes Derek from other sitcoms?

The idea of kindness makes it stand out. There's nothing like it. When Ricky offered this to me, I watched the first series in one go. It's astonishing warmth marked it out. Also my mum loves it. She wasn't a big fan of The Office, but she adores Derek. It's great that it appeals right across the board. I think the show is brilliant. But I haven't said that to Ricky - he doesn't need any more encouragement!

Published: Monday 21st April 2014

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