Ricky Gervais' Derek gets full series

Channel 4 bosses have commissioned a full series of Ricky Gervais' comedy Derek, despite a backlash from certain viewers following its pilot.

The one-off show, about "a simple, vulnerable man working in an old people's home", aired in April and attracted an audience of three million.

However, Gervais came under fire for seemingly mocking the mentally disabled, forcing him to address his critics, insisting the character does not have a "specific and defined disability".

Gervais said, "Derek is a fictional character and is defined by his creator, me. If I say I don't mean him to be disabled then that's it. A fictional doctor can't come along and prove me wrong.

"He's different. But then so are a lot of people. He's not the smartest tool in the box but he's cleverer than Father Dougal (from Father Ted), and not as different as Mr. Bean. He's based on those people you meet who are on the margins of society. Nerds, loners, underachievers."

But the criticisms haven't stopped chiefs at Channel 4 from ordering a full series of the comedy, which co-stars his pal and protege Karl Pilkington.

Channel 4 head of comedy Shane Allen says, "Ricky is a leading voice in British comedy and, through Derek, he captures and reflects something of the spirit of modern society.

"The pilot triggered an amazing response and Derek's story had only just begun, so it's brilliant that we can explore this world and its beautifully drawn characters across a series. It feels like a perfect new direction for Ricky."