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The Studio is a satirical cringe comedy series created by Seth Rogen, Evan Goldberg, Peter Huyck, Alex Gregory, and Frida Perez. The Apple TV+ series is set in Hollywood, and it follows Matt Remick, the newly appointed head of the Continental Studios. Matt finds himself overwhelmed with the ever-changing industry, eccentric actors and directors, and soul-sucking financiers, but all he wants to do is make great films. The Studio stars Seth Rogen, Catherine O’Hara, Ike Barinholtz, Chase Sui Wonders, Bryan Cranston, and Kathryn Hahn. So, if you loved the hilarious comedy, interesting storylines, and entertaining characters in The Studio, here are some similar shows you should check out next.

Action (Rent on Prime Video) Credit – Fox

Action is a dark comedy series created by Chris Thompson. The short-lived Fox series is set in Hollywood, and it follows Peter Dragon,...

Quick LinksHoudini Chronicles the Life of the Greatest Magician Who Ever LivedHow Historically Accurate Is Houdini?Adrien Brody Delivered an Unforgettable Performance as Harry Houdini

There has been plenty of hype surrounding The Brutalist lately, especially with its numerous Oscar nominations and many claiming that it features Adrien Brody’s best performance to date. Any fans of the performance that has earned him his second Oscar nomination might be curious to see what his role was that landed him his first-ever Emmy nomination. Houdini aired on the History channel in 2014, and chronicled the life of famed magician and escape artist, Harry Houdini, and featured Brody as the titular lead. During the time of its release, it was a major success, becoming the most-viewed miniseries of 2014 and even earning a total of seven Emmy Award nominations. Much of the acclaim went towards Brody's performance, which made it more than obvious just...

Johnny Vegas and Sian Gibson reprise their roles as Terry and Gemma Bremmer, with Sarah Hadland joining them as Gemma’s sister, Monica, an aspiring influencer in Apocalypse Slough. The Murder, They Hope special also features guest stars Sanjeev Bhaskar, Shaun Williamson, and Annette Badland. In Apocalypse Slough Gemma’s dream comes true when she is recruited […]

Murder, They Hope: Apocalypse Slough...

Gold has commissioned a new Murder, They Hope comedy special, Apocalypse Slough, starring Johnny Vegas and Sian Gibson, who reprise their roles as Terry and Gemma Bremmer. Sarah Hadland joins the cast as Monica, Gemma’s wannabe influencer sister, along with a stellar supporting cast, including Sanjeev Bhaskar, Shaun Williamson, Annette Badland, and Simon Day. Writer, […]

Gold Commissions Apocalypse Slough: A Murder They Hope Special...

After two successful feature films, Ted's absence from film and television has greatly surprised viewers. Fortunately, the adult comedy franchise has returned with Peacock's Ted TV Series. This seven-part sitcom follows the laughably vulgar teddy bear during his owner John Bennett's school days. Its wonderfully crude humor has been leaving audiences crying with laughter, following its January 11 debut, and viewers are disclosing which other shows Ted fans should check out.

These magnificent programs are essential for Ted's fans, featuring either similar themes, the same comedic style, or sharing some of Ted's brilliant cast. These series are sure to keep audiences entertained, with their engrossing narratives, and endearing characters having kept their fans hooked. Ted viewers would be wise to keep these entertainment offerings in mind when looking for their next watch.

Extras Is An Excellent Spoof Of The Media Industry

Release Date

July 21 2005-December 27 2007

Starring

Ricky Gervais, Stephen Merchant,...

Forget the Countdown teapot or the Pointless Trophy. The most coveted prize on UK television has four wheels, an extendable handle and a quiff.

Since October 2019, Richard Osman’s House of Games has occasionally offered a wheelie suitcase among its selection of kitsch branded prizes. For context – whichever celebrity contestant wins that day’s episode has a choice of five rewards decorated with the face of host and creator Richard Osman. The prizes range from the glamorous (a decanter) to the practical (gardening gloves) to the playful (a dartboard) to the esoteric.

The greatest of these, and by far the most popular, is the wheelie suitcase. In the 430 or so episodes since its first appearance in October 2019, the luggage has been chosen by celebrity contestants 60 times out of a possible 86*. In other words, the baggage reclaim at Edinburgh airport around the time of the Fringe Festival is chock-a-block with them.

It’s 22Bc and we’re somewhere in Germany, on the northern border of the Roman empire near Frisia. Soldiers are going about their business, cleaning shields and helmets, chatting and laughing, and further along the sandy dune, under the high sun, combat training is taking place.

Enter Marcus Gallo, Grumio, and Jason Brindisi – accidental soldiers about to fight a Roman war. And for what? Because they thought joining the army in peacetime would bring them fame, food, wealth and perhaps most importantly – for Jason at least – women.

But, as with all things these boys try, it doesn’t quite work out that way. Peace is short, and now – as they are about to find out from the formidable commander – they’re on the frontline of the “Roman f***ing army” as the so-called barbarians invade.

Except it’s not Frisia, but Wales and the year is 2022. The sun was real though,...

To mark the release of Plebs: Soldiers of Rome on 12th December, we’ve been given a copy to give away on DVD.

Plebs follows the lives of three hapless young men from the suburbs as they try to get laid, hold down jobs and climb the social ladder in the big city… of Rome in 23Bc. Penned by Sam Leifer (How Not to Live Your Life) and Tom Basden (After Life) and starring Tom Rosenthal (Friday Night Dinner), Ryan Sampson (Brassic) and Jonathan Pointing (London Kills) alongside a stellar cast and inspired guest stars Including a host of TV favourites: Amanda Holden, Danny Dyer, Maureen Lipman, Simon Callow, Shaun Williamson, Lauren Socha, Tim Key, James Fleet, Michelle Keegan, Miriam Margolyes, Ellie Taylor and David Bamber.

In Plebs: Soldiers Of Rome Marcus, Grumio, Jason and Aurelius join the army in peacetime in the hope of gaining respect, to succeed in their ongoing search for romance,...

Mark Heap & More Join Itvx Drama ‘Significant Other’

Mark Heap, Kéllé Bryan (Me and Mrs Jones) and Shaun Williamson are among cast added to Itvx comedy Significant Other. Katherine Parkinson and Youssef Kerkour (Stay Close) have already been announced as leads on the show, which is from ITV Studios-owned Quay Street Productions. Further cast unveiled today includes Ben Bailey Smith, Sue Vincent, Olivia Poulet and Will Ash. The series follows the “unromantic romance of two people whose drastic, but fateful, first meeting turns their lives around.” Based on Yes Studios’ Israeli series of the same name, it is currently filming in Manchester, UK and will debut on upcoming streaming service Itvx in 2023. ITV Studios has international distribution rights.

‘Drag Race’ On Starting Grid In Asia

Veteran distributor Gary Pudney’s O4 Media has struck a deal to...

Discovery’s British free-to-air broadcaster Quest is moving into comedy for the first time with a quiz format produced by Last Week Tonight with John Oliver and Catastrophe producer Avalon.

The UK network has ordered a 21-episode run of Al Murray’s Great British Pub Quiz, fronted by the eponymous Pub Landlord comedian. The hour-long show will pit the UK’s most passionate pub quiz teams against each other.

Each pub quiz team – a rather British phenomenon – will be joined by a celebrity guest to compete for a golden tankard and a cash prize. Filmed with a live audience, Eastenders and Extras star Shaun Williamson will be the resident barman keeping score.

The show will launch on Quest, which is best known for series such as Salvage Hunters, in the first quarter of next year. It was commissioned by Simon Downing, Svp, Head of Quest and Eurosport UK and commissioning editor Victoria Noble.

Spencer Matthews and Joey Essex are among the stars hoping to become the next Cadbury Milk Tray Man. The 'Made in Chelsea' hunk and the former 'Only Way Is Essex' star have joined a long list of hopefuls - that also includes sports personalities Thom Evans, Robbie Savage and Denise Lewis and former 'EastEnders' actor Shaun Williamson - auditioning to take on the iconic role. The celebrities all donned the traditional black polo neck and took on various challenges to see if they would be worthy of the coveted position. Footage from the bootcamp sees the potential recruits being put through their paces...

Spencer Matthews and Joey Essex are among the stars hoping to become the next Cadbury Milk Tray Man. The 'Made in Chelsea' hunk and the former 'Only Way Is Essex' star have joined a long list of hopefuls - that also includes sports personalities Thom Evans, Robbie Savage and Denise Lewis and former 'EastEnders' actor Shaun Williamson - auditioning to take on the iconic role. The celebrities all donned the traditional black polo neck and took on various challenges to see if they would be worthy of the coveted position. Footage from the bootcamp sees the potential recruits being put through their paces...

EastEnders fans are surely rejoicing at the news that Dean Gaffney will be returning as Robbie Jackson after five years away.

Hapless Robbie has become a fan favourite over the years, but Gaffers himself has been entertaining us in the meantime in various ways. Here are a few highlights:

1. EastEnders: Wellard and well unlucky in love

When you think of Robbie Jackson, you probably instantly think of Wellard, one of the best soap dogs of all time. Aside from his friendship with the loyal mutt, Robbie actually had quite a lot of genuinely dramatic storylines, including having to work as a road sweeper for years.

His girlfriend's dad sent him to hospital after accusing him of rape, while he had a strained relationship with his estranged father. He didn't possess the womanising powers of his popstar counterpart, and had to call off his first engagement after she cheated on him.

ITV2 hit comedy Plebs will get a repeat run on the main ITV channel this summer.

The show was ITV2's highest-rating scripted comedy and its 14 episodes from series one and two will be shown across 10 weeks on ITV from Monday, June 29 at 10.40pm.

ITV's Director of Television Peter Fincham said: "We are thrilled with the response to the first two series of Plebs.

"It really is a wonderful thing - and we're really proud to have this comedy as part of our ITV family."

Plebs stars Joel Fry, Tom Rosenthal, Ryan Sampson, Sophie Colquhoun, Lydia Rose Bewley, Doon Mackichan and Karl Theobald.

The series featured cameos from Danny Dyer, Shaun Williamson, Jim Rosenthal and Simon Callow.

It centres around Marcus, Stylax and their slave Grumio and is billed as "a modern comedy in an ancient setting".

A third series of Plebs has already been confirmed for ITV2.

A host of celebrities have signed up to take part in the second series of Tipping Point: Lucky Stars.

The celebrity version of the popular game show, hosted by Ben Shephard, has been renewed for a second primetime series.

Jonathan Ross, Lorraine Kelly and Carol Vorderman are among the stars who have signed up to take on the machine and attempt to win money for their chosen charities.

In Tipping Point: Lucky Stars - as it is for charity - the stakes are raised, as the value of the counters doubles to £100 and the jackpot becomes £20,000.

ITV's Kate Maddigan said: "I can't wait to see how the next batch of celebrities get on against the machine. Tipping Point is such a favourite every afternoon, and Lucky Stars makes a welcome return to the evenings."

Previous celebrities who have appeared on the show include Rylan Clark, Colin Baker, Keith Duffy, Pauline Quirke,...

Bob Hoskins passed away earlier today (April 30) at the age of 71.

The British actor was known for his starring roles in a variety of films and TV dramas, including Who Framed Roger Rabbit?, Hook, The Long Good Friday and Mona Lisa.

Stars of stage, screen and beyond have paid tribute to the respected actor. A selection of messages are presented below:

Bob Hoskins was an acting great and a wonderful, kind man. I am truly saddened by his passing. My deepest sympathy to his loved ones.

— christina ricci (@ChristinaRicci) April 30, 2014

Oh no, Bob Hoskins. Gone? That's awful news. The Long Good Friday one of the best British movies of the modern era. A marvellous man.

— Stephen Fry (@stephenfry) April 30, 2014

Just heard the very sad news Bob Hoskins has died. He was one of the best. I feel honoured to have met & worked with him. Rip Bob. Xx

— Vicky McClure (@Vicky...

Les Dennis has claimed that he owes his career turnaround to his work on Extras and Life's Too Short with Ricky Gervais and Stephen Merchant.

Dennis, Shaun Williamson and Keith Chegwin all star in the Easter special episode of Life's Too Short this weekend, and the trio said that they were all incredibly grateful for the generosity of the show's creators.

"They put me in nine Extras, a Christmas special and three Life's Too Shorts," said Williamson. "You keep thinking it will be the last time, you're really grateful and then they call you back."

Chegwin said: "It gives us lots of credibility. What I find amazing is that they trust us with their material. It's a heck of a responsibility. We are professionals, but these are two of the biggest writers in the world."

Dennis claimed that getting a call from Merchant and Gervais for Extras had acted as "a regeneration" for him.

Warwick Davis has hit back at Ricky Gervais's critics, describing his Life's Too Short co-star as a "national treasure" and "genius".

Davis reprises his lead role in Gervais and Stephen Merchant's BBC sitcom for an Easter special this weekend and the Willow star claimed that he was frustrated by the constant knocking of Gervais in the press.

"We should value people like Ricky. He's a national treasure and a brilliant man. It's a strong word, but he's a genius," said Davis.

"Over the years he has created amazing, original comedy. I'm watching Derek at the moment and it's a hell of a show. I've never laughed tears and then cried tears of emotion one moment later with a TV programme.

"Ricky and Stephen have an amazing way of working with actors and we should be celebrating people's success. We're not good at that in this country.

"The Olympics...

We've got to give the big TV people a slap on the back this week, because there's some awesome shows making their way onto our boxes - we're talking major hitters like Doctor Who and The Voice, beloved comedies like New Girl and 90 minutes of Beyoncé brilliance in Life Is But a Dream.

There's so much good stuff about that we'd be remiss if we didn't also quickly mention the premiere of Jj Abrams's Revolution (Friday, March 29 at 9pm on Sky1) and ITV2's Plebs (Monday, March 25 at 10pm), which is basically The Inbetweeners in Ancient Rome with ultimate laaaad Danny Dyer as a gladiator. It has to be seen to be believed...

New Girl: Tuesday (March 26) at 9pm on E4

Prep yourself for more impromptu singalongs and douchebag jar moments, as Zooey Deschanel's New Girl (and that so-irritatingly-chirpy-it's-kind-of-amazing theme tune) makes its long-awaited return to the UK this week.

Keith Chegwin recreates his embarrassing gameshow appearance on Naked Jungle, stripping off for the final hour-long special episode of Ricky Gervais and Stephen Merchant's Life's Too Short.

Chegwin, Les Dennis and Shaun Williamson are at the centre of the show's finale, working as a troupe under the management of Warwick Davis.

The trio perform musical numbers and recreate TV moments from their past, however, Chegwin takes things a bit further by getting naked for his segment of the show.

Joking about the scenes, the veteran TV star said: "Ricky and Stephen said that because Naked Jungle had been part of my career, 'Would I do something for it?'

"They said, 'Look you don't have to be naked, you will be pixelated' and they gave me some shorts. I did tell my mother that I would never get naked on television again and I haven't!"

Chegwin hosted the one-off...

New pictures have been unveiled from the Life's Too Short finale special.

Ricky Gervais and Stephen Merchant's BBC Two comedy - starring Warwick Davis - will come to an end on Easter Saturday.

Val Kilmer will make a cameo in the sitcom one-off - reuniting with his Willow co-star Davis.

Shaun Williamson (Barry from EastEnders), Keith Chegwin and Les Dennis will also return, with the trio attempting to relaunch themselves as a rock 'n' roll musical act.

Life's Too Short returns on Saturday, March 30 at 10pm.

> Ricky Gervais's 'Life's Too Short' special: Watch first hilarious clip

> Ricky Gervais teases new David Brent plans for YouTube...

Ricky Gervais and Stephen Merchant's BBC Two comedy Life's Too Short returns for a one-off special this Easter and the first clip of the 60-minute episode has been released today (March 21).

Warwick Davis returns as the star of the mockumentary series and this special episode centres on the Willow actor's attempts to relaunch the careers of faded stars Shaun Williamson (Barry from EastEnders), Keith Chegwin and Les Dennis.

Watch the first video preview of the Life's Too Short special below:

Shaun, Keith and Les's attempts to reignite their careers by touring the country under the management of Warwick gets off to a shaky start with a rocking musical performance of 'The Boys Are Back In Town'.

The episode also features a cameo appearance from Hollywood actor and Warwick Davis's Willow co-star Val Kilmer.

The one-off episode of Life's Too Short airs on Saturday, March 30 at 10pm.

Life's Too Short...

Michael Fassbender visited the 'Life's Too Short' set. The Hollywood actor has been hanging out behind the scenes of Warwick Davis, Ricky Gervais and Stephen Merchant's BBC Two sitcom after being invited by Val Kilmer, who has a cameo role on the show's last episode. A source told DigitalSpy: ''Fassbender and Kilmer were just hanging out with everyone on set and really enjoying themselves. ''It was amazing to see these Hollywood stars on the same set as the show's British TV stars like Les Dennis, Keith Chegwin and Shaun Williamson.'' Val reportedly asked producers whether he could bring a friend along and the cast...

Michael Fassbender was a surprise guest on the set of Ricky Gervais and Stephen Merchant's comedy series Life's Too Short.

The Prometheus and Shame actor came along to "hang out" as a guest of Val Kilmer, who is cameoing in the BBC Two show's final episode.

Kilmer sent an email to producers asking whether he could bring a friend along to the set, and staff on the show were shocked when it was Fassbender who turned up.

A source told Digital Spy: "Fassbender and Kilmer were just hanging out with everyone on set and really enjoying themselves.

"It was amazing to see these Hollywood stars on the same set as the show's British TV stars like Les Dennis, Keith Chegwin and Shaun Williamson."

Life's Too Short cast in pictures - gallery:

One person who wasn't shocked by Fassbender's arrival was the show's lead actor Warwick Davis, who confessed that...

Life's Too Short will end with a one-hour special rather than run for a second series, confirming previous rumours.

Ricky Gervais and Stephen Merchant's comedy, starring Warwick Davis, will bow out with a special starring Val Kilmer co-produced by the BBC with Backlash Productions and HBO.

> Stephen Merchant too exhausted to think of 'Life's Too Short' series two

Davis said: "I am thrilled to be able to step back into Warwick's shoes again for this special.

"Ricky and Stephen's scripts are always a gift to play and the inclusion of Val Kilmer is nothing short of genius."

Gervais added: "I can't wait to work on the Life's Too Short special with the likes of Keith Chegwin.

"It will make a nice change from working on The Muppet Movie opposite weird little things with squeaky voices."

> 'The Only Way Is Essexmas' edges out 'Life's Too Short' in ratings...

BBC2 series starring Warwick Davis, which failed to repeat success of Extras and The Office, to end after one-hour special

Ricky Gervais's BBC2 sitcom Life's Too Short will not return for a second series, bowing out with a one-hour special guest starring Val Kilmer.

The comedy, starring Warwick Davis and written and directed by Gervais and long-time collaborator Stephen Merchant, failed to repeat the success of his previous BBC2 projects, Extras and The Office.

Gervais rejected criticism that the show was cruel and offensive, and said on Twitter last year that a second series was being planned for the spring of this year.

But if he does one it will not be appearing on BBC2. The one-off episode will pick up from where the first series ended, featuring Kilmer along with the return of regulars Les Dennis, Keith Chegwin and Shaun Williamson.

Gervais, whose latest comedy drama, Derek, is...

Ricky Gervais is writing a new sitcom for Keith Chegwin, Les Dennis and Shaun Williamson. The funnyman hopes to revive the flailing careers of his three actor pals by penning a new series which will see the former TV stars take the lead roles. Former child star Keith, 55, told the Daily Star newspaper: ''I haven't seen a script or anything but I've had the odd phone call from Ricky asking me questions about my career. I'm so excited. ''I never thought this would happen at my time in life. Normally you're out to graze at my age and here I...

Les Dennis has revealed that he will be making a return to Life's Too Short. The comedian will reunite once again with Ricky Gervais and Stephen Merchant for the Warwick Davis-led sitcom next year. He explained that one episode will centre around himself, Shaun Williamson and Keith Chegwin. Speaking on the Peacock And Gamble Podcast, Dennis said: "I'm just going to tell you guys something we can now talk about, which I'm really excited about, is that myself, Keith Chegwin and Shaun Williamson will be working for Ricky and Stephen again next year. "You (more)...

The Punch and Judy Show goes back to 1662 but it has to move with the times to keep people interested. That's where Punch and Judy Rebooted comes in - with the old marionettes given a 21st century makeover to mark the 350th anniversary of Mr Punch... and he's brought a few friends along. Punch has been recast as a benefits cheat, and Judy as a wannabe Wag on the run from Longa the Loan Shark and The EU Sausage Inspector. Other stars are none other than Nick 'Cleggy the Clown', Prince Harry, Mayor of London Boris Johnson and judge Simon Cowell. Shaun Williamson will be the (more)...

The Punch and Judy Show goes back to 1662 but it has to move with the times to keep people interested. That's where Punch and Judy Rebooted comes in - with the old marionettes given a 21st century makeover to mark the 350th anniversary of Mr Punch... and he's brought a few friends along. Punch has been recast as a benefits cheat, and Judy as a wannabe Wag on the run from Longa the Loan Shark and The EU Sausage Inspector. Other stars are none other than Nick 'Cleggy the Clown', Prince Harry, Mayor of London Boris Johnson and judge Simon Cowell. Shaun Williamson will be the (more)...

Shaun WIlliamson has revealed that he would love to work on his own spinoff show from Ricky Gervais's hit series Extras and Life's Too Short. The actor, who famously played Barry in EastEnders for ten years, has appeared in both Gervais sitcoms with cameo slots alongside Stephen Merchant in Extras and Keith Chegwin and Les Dennis in Life's Too Short. Williamson revealed to Digital Spy that a script has been written for a Barry, Chegwin and Dennis series, but claimed that it wasn't yet up to scratch. "I would absolutely love to do a spinoff. In fact somebody approached us with scripts for me, Les and Keith," he said. "But it wasn't quite right. But I would love that." He continued: "Ricky Gervais is the kindest man. We all owe him a lot, and I know the other (more)...

Shaun Williamson has revealed that he came "perilously close" to entering the Celebrity Big Brother house earlier this year. Williamson, who famously played Barry Evans in EastEnders for a decade, said that the only reason his stint in the reality show was aborted was because of the tension levels between the housemates. The actor, who is launching a Daz Cleaner Close TV ad with Olympian Daley Thompson, said that he was prepared to make a "total tit" of himself on the Channel 5 reality show. "I was perilously close to having to go into the Big Brother house on a task, but in the end it got so violent, well aggressive, they said I couldn't go in," he told Digital Spy. "Towards the end of the celebrity one, one of the twins was going to sue someone for (more)...

Ex-EastEnders star Shaun Williamson has claimed that appearing in Doctor Who would be his dream acting role. Williamson, who famously played Barry Evans in the BBC One soap for a decade, joked that the money he could make out of appearing in the sci-fi franchise made it appealing. Speaking to Digital Spy at the launch of his Daz Cleaner Close TV ad, he said: "I think probably Doctor Who would be my ultimate job. Just so I could go to all of those conventions and keep making lots of money year after year. "But seriously, I would love to go on the show. I'd like to play a villain. It could be me, but just with an extra head." Williamson also hinted that he could be tempted into a reality TV stint in the near future, admitting that he had held talks with I'm a Celebrity (more)...

Shaun Williamson is set to star in the new series of 'Life's Too Short'. The 'EastEnders' star - who featured in four episodes of Ricky Gervais and Steven Merchant's sitcom last year - says he is grateful that the comics ''took him under their wings''. He exclusively told Bang Showbiz: ''I'm very lucky that those two took me under their wing. There's another 'Life's Too Short' coming up in February and it's going to be an hour long special. ''Myself, Keith Chegwin and Les Dennis are starring in it again, so that's going to be great.'' Shaun - who is best known for...

The Evening Standard has accidentally printed a picture of Shaun Williamson above an article about Meat Loaf. The London daily newspaper included a picture of the actor, popularly known as Barry from EastEnders, performing as the rock legend on Stars in their Eyes. Williamson appeared on the now defunct ITV entertainment show as the 'Bat Out of Hell' singer in a 2004 soap star special. (more)...

Let’s get to the good stuff first. The funniest part of Sunday’s premiere of Life’s Too Short on HBO occurred at the end when Liam Neeson (playing himself) forced comedians Ricky Gervais and Stephen Merchant (also the show’s creators, writers, and directors) to teach him how to do stand-up. If seeing an imposing Irish actor who’s known for heavy dramas and dark actioners try his hand at improv by saying “I’ve got full-blown AIDS” sounds risible to you, then you were in for a super treat. But if you’re a diehard Ricky and...

Ricky Gervais is returning to HBO in the faux documentary "Life's Too Short," starring "Star Wars" actor Warwick Davis and guest starring Gervais and a few of his famous friends.

"Life's Too Short," from Gervais and Stephen Merchant, is a fictional documentary about Davis' life as a little person who's down on his luck, struggling to get back into the spotlight. Davis plays a fictionalized version of himself and runs a talent agency for little people in show business, called "Dwarves for Hire," though he often takes the roles for himself. He also serves as a vice chairman of a society for little people.

Each episode will also feature cameos from some big names, including Johnny Depp, Liam Neeson, Sting, Helena Bonham Carter, Steve Carell and "So You Think You Can Dance" host Cat Deeley. Gervais and Merchant will also play themselves in supporting roles.

Other cast regulars include Jo Enright...

Ricky Gervais is returning to HBO in the faux documentary "Life's Too Short," starring "Star Wars" actor Warwick Davis and guest starring Gervais and a few of his famous friends.

"Life's Too Short," from Gervais and Stephen Merchant, is a fictional documentary about Davis' life as a little person who's down on his luck, struggling to get back into the spotlight. Davis plays a fictionalized version of himself and runs a talent agency for little people in show business, called "Dwarves for Hire," though he often takes the roles for himself. He also serves as a vice chairman of a society for little people.

Each episode will also feature cameos from some big names, including Johnny Depp, Liam Neeson, Sting, Helena Bonham Carter, Steve Carell and "So You Think You Can Dance" host Cat Deeley. Gervais and Merchant will also play themselves in supporting roles.

Other cast regulars include Jo Enright...

Former EastEnders actor Shaun Williamson has cameoed in the new Celebrity Big Brother teaser video, which spoofs the famous final scenes from The Shawshank Redemption. The latest in a string of short teaser clips to promote the show's return in the New Year sees Williamson acting out the famous movie moment, which originally featured Hollywood's Tim Robbins. Williamson is shown drenched in rain, ripping off his shirt and screaming "pick me" at a flashing Big Brother eye logo. Watch the new Celebrity Big Brother trailer below: Brian (more)...

Stephen Merchant may well be one of the hardest working men in Britain.

He’s certainly got a diverse CV. Alongside his frequent collaborator Ricky Gervais, he’s presented several radio shows and podcasts, created award winning TV shows The Office and Extras, wrote the film Cemetery Junction and has a very successful solo stand-up career.

We recently had a chance to speak to him about his work as a comedian, as well as his love of Woody Allen, and the differences between writing screenplays and writing stand up routines.

HeyUGuys: Do you prefer watching other people perform your material, or performing it yourself?

Stephen Merchant: I think they’re two very different experiences, and they’re not really comparable. Stand-up, the reason it’s exciting, the reason I started doing it again, is that it’s completely personal. There is no filter between you and the audience except...

The BBC have a series coming up which I have been excited about since I first heard about it a year or two ago. It’s called Life’s Too Short and sees Ricky Gervais and Stephen Merchant team together with Warwick Davis (who we interviewed last week here) for a new comedy show based around the man who’s been in Harry Potter, Star Wars, Leprechaun and who could forget Willow?!

In this new clip, we get to see Johnny Depp supposedly meeting Ricky Gervais for the first time since the Golden Globes which Gervais hosted and also in which Depp was the butt of the joke. Have a watch of this fantastic clip below as we think you may well like! Here’s an image from the Life’s Too Short microsite which also seems to suggest that Depp and Gervais put Davis in a toilet?!

Life’s...

Teatime quizshow The Chase will move to Saturday nights this autumn for a celebrity series. Hosted by Bradley Walsh, the special run's first episodes will feature Strictly Come Dancing star Ann Widdecombe, presenter Eamonn Holmes and Coronation Street actress Michelle Collins. Carol Vorderman, Blur's Alex James, Cold Feet actor John Thomson, Jenny Frost, Austin Healey and Sara Cox are also part of the early lineup. Shaun Williamson, (more)...

Ricky Gervais has revealed that he has started making plans for a Life's Too Short spinoff based around Les Dennis, Shaun Williamson and Keith Chegwin. The trio of TV veterans have recurring roles in Gervais and Stephen Merchant's new sitcom Life's Too Short, which tells an exaggerated story of dwarf actor Warwick Davis. Gervais told an audience at the MediaGuardian Edinburgh Television Festival that a "spinoff" with the show's minor characters was a serious consideration. "I want to do a spinoff with Les Dennis, Keith Chegwin and Shaun Williamson. They are (more)...

A new 'Life's Too Short' trailer that gives a preview of the guest stars appearing alongside Warwick Davis, Ricky Gervais and Stephen Merchant.

Celebrities featuring in the series are Johnny Depp, Sting, Liam Neeson, Helena Bonham Carter, Steve Carell, Cat Deeley, Sophie Ellis-Bextor, Les Dennis, Keith Chegwin and Shaun Williamson.

'Life's Too Short' is a new six-part series for BBC Two written by Ricky Gervais and Stephen Merchant, and starring Warwick Davis.

The series centres on Warwick Davis, who is one of Britain's pre-eminent dwarf actors. It is an observational comedy following Warwick's day-to-day frustrations, but still managing to find the optimism and warmth in a small world where big things happen.

Ricky Gervais and Stephen Merchant will also make an appearance as themselves.

Updated: Brand Spanking New Clip...

Liam Neeson has taken up a role in the next Ricky Gervais and Stephen Merchant comedy “Life’s Too Short” staring Warick Davis. With anything that this writing duo comes up with it’s sure to be right move for Neeson if a little bit different from his usually movie roles of late in thrillers such as “Taken”. Gervais and Merchant are responsible for the original UK comedy “The Office”, “Extras”, the HBO show “The Ricky Gervais Show” and “An Idiot Abroad” staring comic genius Karl Pilkington. -------------------- Read More: Liam Neeson’s profile page - more stories, photos and his bio Liam Neeson and his new love Freya St Johnston papped on vacation Ricky Gervais joins save the Irish greyhounds campaign -------------------- The new show, “Life’s Too Short”, on BBC Two this autumn, follows the misadventures of Warick Davis (star of “Willow” and “Star Wars”) who deals with a “career on the slide,...

Liam Neeson and Helena Bonham Carter have signed up for cameos in Ricky Gervais's new show. Life's Too Short is a fictional account of the life of actor Warwick Davis. Neeson and Bonham Carter have now both agreed to appear in the comedy, The Sun reports. Johnny Depp, Cat Deeley and Sophie Ellis Bextor have already signed up for cameos alongside Les Dennis, Shaun Williamson, Sting and Steve (more)...

Ricky Gervais and Stephen Merchant have begun production on their next comedy series, but they won't be on camera as much with this one as they were in "Extras" and "The Office."

The duo are writing and executive producing "Life's Too Short," a fake documentary starring actor Warwick Davis (Prof. Flitwick in the "Harry Potter" movies) that premieres on the BBC later this year and on HBO in 2012. Davis is playing a version of himself who's fallen on hard times and is scraping his way back into the limelight -- in part by agreeing to let cameras follow him around.

Jo Enright and Rosamund Hanson also star. As with "Extras," the show will also feature a number of celebrity cameos, including ones from American "Office" star Steve Carell, Johnny Depp and Sting. Gervais and Merchant will also have "minor" on-camera parts as themselves, HBO says.

Gervais explains a little bit...

Yes, yes, we know, it’s a teaser trailer and it’s supposed to be short, but we couldn’t help but to want to see a teeny bit more of Ricky Gervais’ upcoming series Life’s Too Short . Still, what we did get from the preview of the new BBC2 series is that Gervais is teaming up once again with his most excellent right hand man Stephen Merchant, as well as their Extras co-star Shaun Williamson (Barry, occasional BBC star/Car Phone Warehouse employee) and guest star Warwick Davis, who appeared in one of the best episodes of that...

EastEnders villain Archie Mitchell is to be killed off at Christmas, sparking another Walford murder mystery. The Albert Square schemer, played by veteran actor Larry Lamb, will meet a grisly end in the Queen Vic after plotting to take over the pub with Janine Butcher (Charlie Brooks) for months. Phil Mitchell (Steve McFadden) is expected to emerge as the prime suspect in the case. Fans have already seen the hardman threatening Archie due to his treatment of Mitchell matriarch Peggy (Barbara Windsor). Archie's co-conspirator Janine is also being tipped as a likely perpetrator. She bumped off her husband Barry Evans (Shaun Williamson) in a memorable 2004 plotline. Meanwhile, Mitchell sisters Roxy (Rita Simons) and Ronnie (Samantha Womack) have disowned their father (more)...

Shaun Williamson has claimed that he is happy his EastEnders character Barry was killed off. In an interview with This Is Exeter, the actor explained how his time on the soap came to an end. "After ten years, it was time for me to leave. I told the producers I wanted to have some time off but they said no, so I booked myself in a panto anyway," he stated. Williamson added: "I'm honestly happy there's no prospect of me going back. And if there was and they asked me, I'd say no." Despite this, the 43-year-old said that he was more than prepared to let Barry's spirit live on in Ricky Gervais's Extras. "I still don't know how Ricky got my number. He told me that everyone was going to get the fun taken out of them on his (more)...