Gervais won't star in US Office

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BEEN THERE, DONE THAT: Ricky Gervais has confirmed he will not take over from Steve Carell on the US version of The Office.

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Ricky Gervais could never star in the US version of The Office because he'd have to get up too early.

The 49-year-old comedian wrote and starred in the original British version of the programme from 2001 to 2003.

Ricky played bumbling boss David Brent, and there were rumours he might play a similar role in the American show when Steve Carell, who plays Michael Scott, announced he was leaving the programme earlier this year.

Ricky has now confirmed he will not take over from Steve, joking that he gets paid enough as one of the show's producers without having to be on set in the early hours of the morning.

"I'm definitely not doing it," Ricky said on the red carpet at the Emmy Awards on Sunday. "I can't get up that early and as a producer I get paid anyway."

Ricky has slimmed down in recent months, and is often seen out running. He has now decided to shelve his weight loss regime because he enjoys eating too much.

"I think I’ve lost about all I can," he said. “I think I’ve reached a plateau now. I still eat too much and drink too much."

- Cover Media