Channel 4 commissions series of Derek by Ricky Gervais

9 May 2012

Following the successful pilot episode which aired in April Channel 4 announced today the commission of a full series of Derek. Derek will be written and directed by Ricky Gervais.

Derek is a bitter sweet comedy drama about a group of outsiders living on society's margins. Derek Noakes (Ricky Gervais) is a tender, innocent man whose love for his job and the people he cares for shines through. He's 49 years old and loves animals, Rolf Harris, Jesus, ‘Deal or No Deal', ‘Million Pound Drop' and ‘Britain's Got Talent' - but his main hobby is autograph hunting. He works in a retirement home with his mate and landlord, Dougie (Karl Pilkington in his very first acting role).Derek cares deeply for old people because they're kind and funny and tell him stories about the olden days.  Hannah (Kerry Godliman) is a care worker at the home and is Derek's best friend. She's smart, witty and hardworking, but unlucky in love, and like Derek, always puts other people first.  The series will further explore the relationships between this close knit group as they work in the old people's home.

Derek achieved a consolidated audience of 3.2m which was Channel 4's highest rating scripted comedy in nearly two years.

Shane Allen, Channel 4 Head of Comedy said "Ricky is a leading voice in British comedy and through Derek he captures and reflects something of the spirit of modern society. A kind-hearted character in a world which TV normally shies away from, it feels like a perfect new direction for Ricky. The pilot triggered an amazing response and Derek's story had only just begun so it's brilliant that we can explore this world and its beautifully drawn characters across a series"

Ricky Gervais said "David Brent was an egotistical, failed musician and the most annoying man in the world. Derek is a 50 year old man with bad hair and clothes, whose best friend is a whinging bald manc twonk. Where do I get my ideas from?'

Derek will air in early 2013

Derek will be made by Derek Productions Ltd for Channel 4. Written and directed by Ricky Gervais, Director of Photography is Martin Hawkins and Producer is Charlie Hanson. Derek has been commissioned by Channel 4 Head of Comedy Shane Allen

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