The new hero of British comedy, Ricky Gervais, got so excited after winning two Golden Globes last weekend that he forgot to acknowledge his co-workers. But the self-effacing actor is obviously keen to make amends for the oversight, because he has taken out a full page ad in showbiz magazine Variety to offer them his thanks and congratulations.
"I would have made a better effort if I thought I was going to win," said the 42-year-old, who plays paper mill boss David Brent in The Office. "I'm sorry I did not have something better to say… I'm more surprised than I have ever been in my life!".
Ricky looks set to become a major force in the US, where he is currently working on an American version of the show. After last weekend's awards Miramax boss Harvey Weinstein described him as a "genius" and he has also filmed a part in the spy series Alias.
Comic Steve Carell will play Brent in a pilot for the new show, but NBC apparently wants Ricky himself to reprise the role when filming begins on the series proper.
And the self-styled "fat bloke from Reading" has reportedly received a flood of acting and writing offers since his victory at the Globes. Indeed his run of glory has even extended back to Britain, where town planners in his hometown have decided to name a street after him.
Photo: © Alphapress.com
