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last mo.

Ricky Gervais Declines BBC’s The Office Reunion and Will Release His Own Anniversary Film

The choice underscores a growing shift to creator-controlled releases and raises questions about the BBC’s role in marking the show’s legacy.

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Overview

  • The BBC will broadcast Mackenzie Crook and Martin Freeman Remember...The Office on Wednesday 8 July at 10pm on BBC Two and iPlayer, with Freeman and Crook taking part.
  • Ricky Gervais confirmed he will not appear in the BBC special and said he will debut a separate documentary on his YouTube channel around The Office’s 25th anniversary on 9 July.
  • A representative for Gervais told reporters he 'was not available' for the BBC programme and said Gervais remains in contact with the broadcaster about the show.
  • Reports say co-creator Stephen Merchant will also be absent from the BBC one-off, leaving the BBC special to be fronted by co-stars rather than the show’s creators.
  • The split highlights a wider trend of high-profile creators using direct or streaming channels to control how their work is presented and could complicate the BBC’s stewardship of a landmark British comedy that has faced recent content warnings on iPlayer.