Ricky Gervais to sign Channel 4 deal

The 50-year-old comic has filmed a pilot for a new sitcom for the network and is said to be "very pleased" with the show, which has a working title of 'Derek'.

Channel 4 chief Jay hunt is reportedly "thrilled" with the show, which is set in an old people's home and features Ricky as elderly and confused resident Derek Noakes.

The show features the comic's sidekick Karl Pilkington in his debut acting role and is expected to feature a series of guest stars, including the likes of Sir Sean Connery.

The proposed move to Channel 4 comes after Ricky's last series, 'Life's Too Short' - which starred Warwick Davies - was a ratings flop for the BBC in comparison to the funnyman's previous shows 'The Office' and 'Extras'.

A source told the Daily Mirror newspaper: "There have been many meetings in a bid to discover why it missed the mark. No one really knows. Some you win, some you lose."

Despite recording the pilot, Channel 4 executives insist they have not yet commissioned 'Derek' for a full series.

A spokesperson said: "This is a continuation of our relationship with Ricky Gervais."

Ricky Gervais has claimed that he will never retire from showbusiness.

The Life's Too Short comic writer, who turned 50 earlier this year, says he was not affected by hitting the landmark age.

Gervais said: "I couldn't retire. When I have a day off I think of three new ideas that I want to do.

"People talk about it because it's got a zero on the end but the past ten years have been the best."

The Office star added that he has adapted to his life in the public eye: "I'm coping with it better now.

"At first I dreaded it - I didn't want to be lumped into the same category as those people who just want fame.

"You can't sell every salacious detail of your life and then complain about things - particularly the people who do it with their kids. They'll do anything for a column inch."