'Well, I have not even done a film yet,' he says. 'I have turned down films for four years. I've only done two things this year: my own show and writing an episode of The Simpsons. That's it. But I suppose if there is one thing on your CV make sure it is that.'
After he won his two Golden Globes Gervais was called in for an audience with Matt Groening and the 20 Simpsons writers - they all sat there quoting The Office to him. 'They asked me if I wanted to be in it? And I said: "What are the hours?" And then they said: "Why don't you write an episode?" No one had done that before. So I said yes, of course I would. And then I walked out and panicked a bit.' The episode, in which a Brent character tries to seduce Marge, will be out next March. 'My ambition was always to get a joke on The Simpsons, and here I am at the read-through sitting next to Homer.'