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Ricky Gervais: “I’m writing full series of Derek,” Us: “Don’t feel you have to”
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Gervais himself plays the lead character, Derek Noakes, in a one-off drama on Channel 4 tonight.
The comedy triple threat announced on Twitter that he is penning scripts for a full series.
“Thanks again you lovely twonks for all the good wishes for Derek tomorrow night. It’s only a one-off, but I am slowly writing a series,” he explained.
His announcement comes as he has been forced to defend the show against critics, including comedian Stewart Lee, who say Derek pokes fun at disabled people.
Derek is a fictional character and is defined by his creator, me,” Gervais told disability rights campaigner and blogger Nicky Clark.
“If I say I don’t mean him to be disabled then that’s it. A fictional doctor can’t come along and prove me wrong. He’s different. But then so are a lot of people.
“He’s not the smartest tool in the box but he’s cleverer than Father Dougal [from Father Ted], and not as different as Mr Bean.
He’s based on those people you meet who are on the margins of society. Nerds, loners, under-achievers.”
Derek also stars Karl Pilkington in his first acting role. Gervais recently said that his part is very similar to the man himself.
