Nought out of 10
Gervais rejects role in remake
Ricky Gervais has denied reports he is to star in a remake of Seventies comedy 10.
A Sunday newspaper claimed The Office star had been lined up to take the role that gave Dudley Moore his Hollywood break.
But he said: “I know nothing about it. And I would decline such an offer as I'm so busy this year.”
As well as working on his next BBC comedy, Extras, Gervais has also agreed to write an episode of The Simpsons and appear in the next Mission Impossible film. Also, his children’s book Flanimals is being turned into a Hollywood cartoon.
Gervais has previously spoken of how much lucrative work he has turned down, because he wants to concentrate on things he can be proud of.
And of taking the role Moore made famous, he said: “I don't like comedians playing other comedians.”
Other actors reportedly in the frame for the part of George Webber, whose mid-life crisis leads him to become obsessed with a beautiful woman, include Matthew Perry, Jack Black and Robert Downey Jr.
Bo Derek, who appeared in the original, is said to have agreed to a cameo role in the remake.Published: 10 Jan 2005
