Ayoade, the Cambridge-educated son of a Nigerian father and Swedish mother, was briefly a stand-up on the London circuit before attracting attention in the Perrier-winning Garth Marenghi spoof horror shows.

With fellow ex-Footlighter Matthew Holness, he co-wrote the Perrier nominated Edinburgh show Garth Marenghi's Fright Knight, the sequel of which, Garth Marenghi's Netherhed, won him the award in 2001. It transferred to Channel 4, where it became a cult hit; its DVD becoming a bestseller.

The pair landed a follow-up, a six-part chat show featuring Ayoade’s urbane publisher character at home in his glamorous bachelor pad: Man To Man With Dean Learner.

Ayoade was also part of Julian Barratt and Noel Fielding's original Mighty Boosh cast, playing villain Dixon Bainbridge. However, by this time it came to air, he was under contract by Channel 4 and was only able to act in the pilot. He since returned to play the shaman Saboo in the show's second series.

In 2005, he played the role of Ned Shanks in Chris Morris' and Charlie Brooker's sitcom about trendy media types, Nathan Barley

The following year he played the technically brilliant but socially awkward Moss in Channel 4's The IT Crowd; and also landed the role when it was remade as an American TV pilot.

Ayoade also directed, co-wrote and co-starred (with Matt Berry) in BBC Three’s AD/BC: A Rock Opera.

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The Sidney Poitier of British comedy!

Darren, January 2009

As a stand-up comedian Richard shows great potential with a set on McDonald's and it's effects on children, although a routine that is drifting slowly towards a Morgan Spurlock message he manages to turn that around.

Alex, October 2008

Probably the best new comedy character actor in the UK.

Dr Walpurgis, March 2008

Richard Ayoade is a total legend! Im loving all his work, especially Darkplace - cant get enough of it

Monique, January 2008

I love The IT crowd ! he is a very talented actor. Moss is the best character ever. I love how uncomfortable he is around everything, especially bras

georgia, October 2007

I love Richard Ayoade, I'm about to queue for hours upon hours in London to meet the delightful chap. He is pure comedy gold

Emma, October 2006

Sheeer class. Can't stop watching the IT Crowd

Emma, April 2006

Too funny. Absolutely quality. Everything about Darkplace is pure genius, especially the directing. IT Crowd isn't really my thing, but the in eps I have seen - Moss has been funniest.

Michael, April 2006

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