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Stephen Merchant interview - Radio Times, July 2005 |
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Co-writer Stephen Merchant offers Danny Scott some insights into the world of Extras.
On Andy Millman, played by Ricky Gervais
"Ricky's character is far less
deluded this time around. More of
a wise-cracker, like Fletcher
from Porridge or Edmund
Blackadder. But he still has to
deal with all his frustrated ambitions."
On Andy's friend Maggie
"Me and Ricky are very
fond of Laurel and Hardy and Morecambe
and Wise. We decided
to incorporate that double-act
thing into the show.
Millman is Olly to
Maggie's Stan, which
gives Ricky a chance
to play the straight
guy for a change."
On writing a different style of comedy from The Office
"If people
mistake this for a documentary, we've
failed. Not that proper sitcoms are easier
to write. Sometimes me and Ricky would
just stare at each other across the desk. There's
a limit to how funny you can be in
one day."
On the big-name guest stars
"Obviously, getting these
guests adds a degree of realism,
but we didn't want them to overpower the
show. They're the icing on the cake. Les
Dennis, in particular, was a joy to work
with. He's got an old-fashioned
professionalism that you see with some
of the big Hollywood names."
On how to attract the big-name guest stars
"Just tell them
you're going to
give them some
money for not
very
much work!"
**
Read our Darren Lamb quotes - or take a look at our full Extras guide.
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