Ricky Gervais may be renowned for his hilarious turn as David Brent in hit comedy The Office but the actor says his latest character Derek is nothing like his former alter-ego, insisting he's "changed."
The 52-year-old will be making a return tonight as Derek Noakes, a 50-year-old man who works in a retirement home, however, some viewers may still typecast Ricky as his beloved character in The Office.
Ricky Gervais returns as Derek Noakes tonight (Channel 4)
Speaking about his critics, Ricky told the Huffington Post UK: "If anything, I probably go the other way and annoy them – which is just as bad. I'm only ruining my own project. Ignore them.
"I didn't know their opinion when I wrote 'The Office' so I don't want their opinion when I write 'Extras' or 'Derek'. And I'll also change if I want as well. They can't have 'The Office' again. I've changed now."
He added: "Honestly, you don't have to buy this, you don't have to watch it. I've done this for me because I really love it, and if you like it, that's brilliant, great, if you don't, brilliant as well."
While Ricky is known for creating two seasons of his shows and then bringing them back one one-off specials, he admits that he's considering bringing Derek back for a third outing.
"It's the first time I've ever considered doing a third series of something," Ricky said according to Digital Spy.
"I think I certainly want to do the two series and a special for Derek and then see. I don't want to make TV for the sake of it. You have other ideas and also you don't want to outstay your welcome."
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