Get ready for a blast from the past as we celebrate 25 years since the UK was introduced to Wernham Hogg, the hapless paper company at the heart of Ricky Gervais and Stephen Merchant's masterstroke, The Office. This groundbreaking mockumentary has since become an international phenomenon, paving the way for countless comedies and spawning multiple global adaptations that have left fans in stitches.
In a double whammy to commemorate this silver jubilee, two key figures from the original series are reuniting for a BBC documentary that will give die-hard fans a fresh perspective. Actors Martin Freeman, who played straight-laced sales representative Tim Canterbury, and Mackenzie Crook, known for his cringe-worthy role as assistant regional manager Gareth Keenan, will present this special retrospective, alongside co-creator Ricky Gervais's own behind-the-scenes look on YouTube.
Remember the dark days when The Office was a ratings laughing stock? It's hard to believe now that its initial viewing figures were so low it almost didn't make it past series one. But a crucial decision by the BBC to repeat the series paid off, doubling its viewership and paving the way for its eventual success and critical acclaim.
As we delve into the world of Wernham Hogg, some intriguing facts have emerged. Did you know that Martin Freeman initially auditioned for Gareth's role, before being asked to play Tim? Or that Oscar-winning Olivia Colman made an early appearance as a journalist in Inside Paper, just a year before her breakout role in Peep Show? And then there's the mute caretaker – actually Stephen Merchant's dad, Ron – who was included because he 'had a funny face'.
The making of The Office wasn't without its moments of levity and challenge. One infamous scene required an astonishing 74 takes as Freeman and Gervais repeatedly 'corpsed', struggling to maintain their composure and stop laughing. And let's not forget the time Ewen MacIntosh, playing accountant Big Keith, devoured two multipacks of scotch eggs during a particularly gruelling shoot.