More content for his YouTube channel

Ricky Gervais is to start generating more original comedy for his own YouTube channel.

Gervais – who is bringing back David Brent for Comic Relief tomorrow night – promises sketches, filmed podcasts and behind-the-scenes footage from the forthcoming The Muppets… Again movie

He said: ‘Any artist will tell you that they want as many people to see their work with as little interference to that work as possible. To create, get final edit, and be the broadcaster is the ultimate artistic experience. This is why I have partnered with YouTube for original programming. And because of all that money they gave me too, obviously.

‘Viewing habits are changing. And anyone who doesn’t realise that will be left behind. I am very excited to be working with a platform that is so instant and accessible.’

The new content for youtube.com/rickygervais comes in a deal between Gervais’s Derek Productions and online broadcaster ChannelFlip.

Gervais’s YouTube channel already has 25,000 subscribers. His most-watched video – Learn English with Ricky Gervais – has 1.4million views.

The news comes days after US comedy stars Sarah Silverman, Reggie Watts, Tim & Eric and Michael Cera announced they were setting up their own online comedy venture, Jash.

Published: 14 Mar 2013