Ricky Gervais On Steve Carell’s ‘Office’ Exit: ‘He Is Doing The Right Thing’

Ricky Gervais is standing behind Steve Carell’s decision to leave “The Office” after the upcoming seventh season.

“It was expected of me, as executive producer, to persuade him to stay on,” Ricky wrote on his official website. “With syndication in full swing the more successful the show remains, the more billions we all make. It was tempting, but the truth is, I believe he is doing the right thing.”

The comedian co-created and starred in the original UK version of the NBC show, appearing as David Brent — the British version of Steve’s bumbling Michael Scott — said it’s been a pleasure working with his U.S. counterpart.

“It has been a joy working with him over the last six years. (And taking the piss out of him at every award show.),” Ricky wrote, adding that Steve is “a huge film star now.”

“I’d be lying if I said he should do more. He shouldn’t. He should move on, continue to do great work, and buy a new house every time ‘The Office’ is repeated somewhere,” Ricky joked. “(That’s what I do. Maybe I’ll buy one next door to him one day. That’ll f***ing teach him.)”

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