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May 26, 2012

Blink and you'll miss it: Stephen Merchant on 24, Ricky Gervais still to come

by Kevin Kelly, posted Jan 15th 2007 8:04AM

Stephen Merchant on 24Did anyone catch Stephen Merchant on 24 last night? It was a "blink and you'll miss it" moment, and the poor guy didn't even get a line. However, as a self-professed fan of the show, it was probably a moment in heaven for him. Literally, a moment. Someone hands him a sheet of paper that he's supposed to ostensibly do something extremely critical with (hey, he works in the CTU after all), and he gives them a grim little nod in return.

Ahhh, the acting chops that had to take. Still, I would've jumped at the chance to be on the show, even if I was background extra number 48 in a crowd scene. I've missed the last two seasons, but this premiere sucked me back in. That's how easy I am.

Apparently they also filmed a scene with Ricky Gervais that might be an extra on the DVD for this season. According to rickygervais.com, "In the scene, a group of White House brass meet to discuss an impending terrorist threat. Gervais, dressed like a presidential advisor, keeps whispering under his breath to give the mission to Jack Bauer - and then acts incredulous when someone else says it aloud and takes credit for the idea."

Stephen Merchant currently co-stars in the HBO comedy Extras, which he co-created and produces with Ricky Gervais, and also did the same for the BBC version of The Office, which is fantastic if you haven't seen it.

Now that's comedy, folks.

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greg

Dam it i knew it was him! rang my mate to switch on 24 coz merchant is on, so he did but merchant was never seen again!then i began to doubt myself..did i or did i not see him?
il never doubt myself again..i have learnt a lesson from all this.

January 22 2007 at 1:24 PM Report abuse rate up rate down Reply
jeff stiefer

i thought i was seeing things. I had not heard they would have cameos on the show. I said to myself, "Damn that looked like Stephen Merchant"

Ill also echo what a poster above said: get their podcasts and the old XM radio shows. Too too funny. I think Merchant is every bit as funny as Ricky. His one appearecne on The Office (UK) was one of my favorites.

January 15 2007 at 6:49 PM Report abuse rate up rate down Reply
Doug

Sorry, the link was http://www.pilkipedia.co.uk . Just thought all the other fans would like to know.

January 15 2007 at 12:50 PM Report abuse rate up rate down Reply
Doug

I am a huge fan of Gervais and Merchant (and Pilkington - Listen to the Podcasts and old XFM shows - www.pilkipedia.com !!) and knew this was coming.

I simply burst out laughing when I spotted Steve. I wish they had kept the Gervais cameo in, but we'll see that eventually.

January 15 2007 at 12:47 PM Report abuse rate up rate down Reply
Honey

I did see Stephen Merchant and I screamed out of joy. Seriously I did. I love Stephen and was very happy for him. I heard that they weren't going to include Ricky Gervais because he's too recognizable, but you guys would know better...I hope they do.

January 15 2007 at 12:22 PM Report abuse rate up rate down Reply
James Andrews

Who was the voice of the Fox News Reporter that was first used at the beginning of Fox show 24 Season Premire (episode 1) 6:00 am - 7:00 am?

January 15 2007 at 9:44 AM Report abuse rate up rate down Reply
johnnymac

My eyes must be get getting better in my old age, I thought that was him. I also caught Richard Branson's one second shot in the latest Bond flick as well. Can't tell ya what I won off my wife in our little bet :-)

January 15 2007 at 9:17 AM Report abuse rate up rate down Reply
brian

He should have handed the document to Barry off Eastenders.

January 15 2007 at 9:05 AM Report abuse rate up rate down Reply

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