It's a no-brainer...

Ricky Gervais has strenuously denied rumours that he will replace Steve Carell when he leaves the American version of The Office at the end of this series.

Gervais says he already earns millions from rights to the show, so has no desire to subject himself to the rigours of starring in a weekly sitcom.

He wrote on his blog: ‘I'm not taking over from Steve Carell and will just continue to make millions for doing fuck all because I created the show and all the characters, and own the format and it's being syndicated now.

‘I get paid every time any episode of any version is played anywhere in the world, and I stopped my version at its height and I don't think I can improve on that.

‘I don't want to go back to that and get up at 6am every day of the week for seven years.’

He also posted a comment saying he WOULD be taking over and said: ‘Only one of these is true… What would you do if you were me?’

Other names being touted as possible replacements at paper merchants Dundler Mifflin include Flight Of The Conchords star Rhys Darby. Producers are said to be unsure whether to drop in a new boss, or promote one of the existing cast members, then recruit a new actor in a supporting role.

Published: 11 Aug 2010