Gervais says he created Brent back in the 1990s and that he was based on a few people he met throughout his life.
"The very first scene of the series, where he is talking to the forklift truck driver, is based on an interview I had at a temp agency when I was 17 in the school holidays."
Gervais went on to discuss why he was drawn to Brent as a character.
"David Brent doesn’t represent evil, or nastiness, or even ignorance. He’s just a little out of place. Out of time," wrote Gervais.
"His worst crime is that he confused respect with popularity. He wanted both but concentrated on the wrong one."
The slimmed down actor stated that he loves all the characters he creates and that for him, the best comedy is often created out of empathy. He went on to discuss why the series was conceived as a ‘mockumentary’ and why that format worked for the characters.
"The fake documentary element was absolutely essential. It reminded us why everyone was acting the way they did. He heightened consequences, and above all, it made the audience connect. Brent being embarrassed is one thing, but as soon as he looked down the lens he brought us all into it. We felt his pain. And we liked it. Sort of."
The star of 'Extras' and 'The Office' also dropped a few titbits on his future plans for television!
"Maybe I’ll do an 'Extras' remake next. As for Brent coming back? Who knows? (Haha. How annoying is that?)" he wrote.
Written by Miranda Boyce
Copyright : Comedy Central New Zealand