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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Best character in the IT Crowd.

Ant, February 2006

Richard is just one of those people who makes you laugh just thinking about him. Thats a very special gift.

Gail, February 2006

Hilarious impersonation of someone in sixth form half-arsedly reading from an off-screen cue card in The IT Crowd. Hold on a minute...

Raymond Hagerman, January 2006

Absolute comedy genius. If the general public has any sense he will be the next big thing to hit our TV screens.

Adam, January 2006

Darkplace was genius and the movie and DVD will bring the recognition which Richard deserves

Domovoi, January 2006

Had the pleasure of seeing his brilliant character "Moss" in a taping of the IT Crowd - His timing is impeccable and his improvisations were hilarious.

Lliam, November 2005

Hilarious impersonation of someone in sixth form half-arsedly reading from an off-screen cue card in Nathan Barley.

Raymond Hagerman, October 2005

My favourite comedian by far - he is just amazing in Darkplace and Nathan Barley.

David Broder, August 2005

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