The Office beats Hollywood's best

The Office has stunned Hollywood by winning two Golden Globe Awards.

The sitcom was named best TV comedy and its star Ricky Gervais best comedy actor in Los Angeles last night.

It is the first time a British show and actor have won either of these accolades.

Collecting his award, Gervais introduced himself to the American public, few of whom will have seen The Office's airing on cable channel BBC America.

He joked: "I'm not from these parts... I'm from a little place called England. We used to run the world before you."

Later, he added: "It hasn't really sunk in yet. It's absolutely fantastic - a highlight of my career. Here I am, this fat bloke from Reading sharing a room with Jack Nicholson, Bill Murray and Michael Douglas. It's fantastic."

He was joined on stage by Lucy Davis, who plays receptionist Dawn, Martin Freeman, who plays Tim, and producer Ash Atalla to collect the best comedy award.

And returning to accept the best actor prize, he said: "Two bookends. Excellent. You need the set."

The Golden Globes are chosen by the Hollywood Foreign Press Association, journalists sent to LA from abroad to cover the entertainment industry. The Office triumphed over Sex And The City and Will And Grace to win its category.

BBC America's chief executive Paul Lee, said: "We are thrilled. Ricky Gervais, co-writer Stephen Merchant and the entire cast and production team have created a comic masterpiece in The Office.

"We'd like to thank the Hollywood Foreign Press Association for once again recognising shows that are truly groundbreaking. This is a watershed moment for BBC America."

Even Gervais himself will be shocked by the win. Just last week he said: "It would be good to lose. I need my comeuppance and Matt LeBlanc is the man to do it - it's character building."

The Office is currently being remade for the NBC network, with The Daily Show's Steve Carell poised to take the role of David Brent.

Published: 26 Jan 2004