Seconds for Derek with Channel 4

The staff and residents of Broad Hill Retirement Home will return to Channel 4 with a second series of  Ricky Gervais’ Derek.

Phil Clarke, Channel 4’s Head of Comedy said: “I am delighted that Derek is coming back for a second run on Channel 4. It’s an original comic vision, brave, funny and touching, with a star performance at its heart. It has already garnered a loyal following”.

The second series commission sees a further six half hour episodes to be produced. The comedy drama follows Derek Noakes – a tender, innocent man whose love for his job and the people he cares for shines through. He’s 49 years old and loves animals, Rolf Harris, Jesus, Deal or No Deal, Million Pound Drop and Britain’s Got Talent – but his main hobby is autograph hunting.

He works in a retirement home with his mate and landlord, Dougie (Karl Pilkington in his very first acting role). Derek cares deeply for old people because they’re kind and funny and tell him stories about the olden days. Hannah (Kerry Godliman) is a care worker at the home and is Derek’s best friend. She’s smart, witty and hardworking, but unlucky in love, and like Derek, always puts other people first.

Derek’s creator Ricky Gervais said: “Derek is probably my favourite thing of everything I’ve done, so I can’t wait to start thinking up some new adventures for the gang.”

Derek episodes 1-4 have attracted a consolidated series average of 2.1m viewers (9.9% share). The final episode in the current series airs on Wednesday 6th March at 10pm.