New Gervais "hero" interviewees revealed

The next comedy heroes to be interviewed on Ricky Gervais' chat show series have been announced.

The Office creator has lined up The Larry Sanders Show's Garry Shandling and Spinal Tap writer Christopher Guest.

Gervais said he was delighted to have secured the stars. "Garry is one of the most influential comedians of the past 25 years," he commented. "He has granted me a very rare interview.

"So why the f*** did I tell him that he looks like Bingo from The Banana Splits?"

The shows – to be aired on Channel 4 in June - follow a successful one-off with Curb Your Enthusiasm creator Larry David in January.

Channel 4's Andrew Mackenzie said the station was pleased to have the unique series. "We’re thrilled that Ricky has committed to C4 for these films," he said. "The access that he’s getting to global comedy stars is unprecedented."