There was one good reason that Merchant did not work with Gervais on the current HBO project — Ricky doesn't know what dating is like: ”I suppose I could have collaborated with Ricky,” Merchant said.
His new HBO sitcom Hello Ladies sees him strike out on his own as a luckless IT geek looking for amor in LA. I sat down with the 6ft 7" funny-man to ask him about the key inspirations in making the show...
When were you happiest? Watching Bruce Springsteen at Glastonbury. During Because The Night I actually shouted, "This is the greatest moment of my life!" What is your greatest fear? Boredom. Also, giant crabs.