HOWZAT

The answer is you don’t aim at any audience. You put down what you think is funny. You don’t aim at any particular demographic, but you aim high. I was no more surprised that it was popular in America than I was surprised it was popular here, as a lot of my influences were American – The Simpsons, Larry Sanders, Spinal Tap. There’s no coincidence that there’s a romantic storyline (in The Office) – it’s something the Americans were doing years ago with I Love Lucy. People may tune in to see Brent dancing, but it’s the romantic storyline that keeps them watching.

Have you seen the American version of The Office? Pauline Coulter, Hereford

Yes, I’ve seen a rough cut. It’s very good, it’s faithful to us. A lot of people have said, “Oh, Americans don’t get it.” It’s not that American’s don’t get it, it’s that the stakes are so high for American networks and they can’t afford to have a sleeper hit. Americans are actually very good at not being insular.

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Do you stay in touch with your Office co-stars, and to what extent do you think your show was responsible for their current success? Linda Coffey, Warminster

Yeah, I’ve had a drink with Martin (Freeman, who plays Tim). The problem is, we’re all so busy that I think the last time I saw any of them was at an awards ceremony or to make the feature for the DVD. Oh, I’ve had a drink with Mackenzie (Crook, who plays Gareth) since then.

For everyone involved with The Office, and for me, it was the biggest thing we’d ever done, but they were all good already. It wasn’t like I sat them down and taught them how to act.

What do you think of Little Britain - a worthy rival to The Office? Matt Warner, Chester

It’s not a rival, as it’s not on at the same time, but if it was then it would be worthy. It’s very good. It’s mainstream and it’s broad and it’s funny. People compare them (The Office and Little Britain) because they’re both good, but I don’t see any similarity. I think Little Britain is more similar to Harry Enfield and Chums, which I also think is brilliant.

Have you thought of making any training videos for offices? It would make them more interesting. Richard Devine, Hastings

No. I think it devalues the thing you did with all your heart and soul. I don’t then want to bring out the mug, the T-shirt and try to sell beer with this.

How did your working relationship with Noel Gallagher come about and do you have any plans to release Freelove Freeway as a single? Dave Harrison, Milton Keynes

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