Gervais quits Xfm 'for a few months'

Ricky Gervais is to leave his Xfm radio show for "at least a few months".

He and his Office co-writer Stephen Merchant say they have too many commitments to continue hosting their Saturday afternoon show.

The break comes as their contract comes to an end, but they say they are keen to return to the London alternative radio station later this year

An spokesman for the station said: "Ricky and Stephen are definitely planning a return to Xfm as soon as possible - it's a temporary break while they oversee the making of The Office in the States."

Adam Buxton and Joe Cornish will take over the show from February 7.

Gervais and Merchant are now advising producers making an American version of The Office, and Gervais has another stand-up show in the pipeline, Politics.

Published: 19 Jan 2004