Months of speculation ends

The new boss in the US version of The Office has been named, following the departure of Steve Carell.

Existing character Andy Bernard, the dim-witted salesman played by Ed Helms, will take the job, it was revealed on last night’s eighth series premiere.

The announcement ends months of speculation over who would take over the lead role. Guest stars including Catherine Tate, Ray Romano, Ricky Gervais, Will Arnett, and even billionaire Warren Buffet were interviewed to take over from Carell's character Michael Scott at the end of the last series.

In July, NBC announced it had signed James Spader as a full-time cast member, as the office’s new regional manager. But early in last night’s episode it was revealed that his character Robert California was to be chief executive, away from the day-to-day goings-on in the office.

That lead the way for Bernard’s promotion.

Published: 23 Sep 2011