The Office anniversary mystery as Ricky Gervais fails to mention Stephen Merchant

During a celebration marking 25 years of the hit BBC workplace sitcom The Office, Ricky Gervais failed to mention Stephen Merchant, with whom he created the comedy. This omission is considered unusual, as it contradicts Gervais's typical habit of being generous with his praise for co-stars and crew members. The absence of Merchant during the anniversary special has been highlighted as being at odds with the comedian's normal behaviour towards his professional collaborators.