Ricky Gervais has had a phenomenal impact on comedy: not only in the UK but also, unusually for a British comedian, in the United States. The Office is one of very few British TV comedies that can be described as “benchmark” and Ricky has followed its huge success with the critically acclaimed Extras and three sell-out stand-up tours.

Ricky Gervais: New Hero of Comedy charts Ricky’s growth as a comedian from his first appearances on Xfm and his early TV incarnations on The 11 O’Clock Show and Meet Ricky Gervais through to his current status as an international film and television star. Commenting on Ricky and his work, the show meets a range of Ricky’s friends and fellow comedy practitioners, including Stephen Merchant, Billy Connolly, Matt Groening, Michael Palin, Chris Rock and Russell Brand.

Ricky Gervais: New Hero of Comedy provides an intimate, interesting and entertaining insight into Britain’s foremost comedy star. It airs on Channel 4 at 9PM on Friday 22 February 2008.