‘We didn’t know the rules we were rebelling against’: how The Office changed comedy
As Ricky Gervais and Stephen Merchant’s sitcom turns 20, top comics and people behind the scenes explain how it rewired British humour
March 2021
BBC Three to return as broadcast channel next year
Corporation announces return of youth-oriented channel to linear programming after five years
November 2016
Media interview
Ash Atalla: white middle class 'swept away' decision to close BBC3
The former BBC producer also unveiled plans for a ‘big romcom’ in America
September 2016
Bare jokes: how People Just Do Nothing made sitcoms funny again
In an age of bleak comedy that barely makes you snigger, one show has been keeping up the lost art of making people laugh – the hilarious, half-witted pirate radio mockumentary. Now, finally, the BBC are throwing their weight behind it
August 2015
Media Monkey
Big Brother and the great TV exec extravaganza
Emma Willis presented Edinburgh Does Big Brother, in which eight telly executives were locked into ‘the house’ for 24 hours
April 2015
Ash Atalla on Twitter: 'I now get personal feedback from every bastard in the whole world!'
Comedy producer loves social media really, and also relishes the fact that new online TV platforms mean he has more places to sell his shows than ever
March 2014
BBC3 closure: decision makes BBC 'whiter, older, and more middle class'
Ash Atalla, producer of The Office, says corporation is sending out the message it has given up on young people. By John Plunkett
August 2012
Media interview
Ash Atalla interview: 'Sometimes I feel like Rambo in the woods'
He made his name as the producer of The Office – but he's not here to push boundaries, just to make people laugh. By John Plunkett
November 2011
Celebrity squares
Ash Atalla: The whole iPad thing has been a revelation
Celebrity squares: TV producer Ash Atalla doesn't make a move without his trusty iPad on his lap
November 2010
Can 'double screening' help TV producers?
More viewers are chatting online while viewing TV – but reading their feedback on Facebook and Twitter can hinder as well as help the shows' makers. Stephen Armstrong reports
August 2010
MGEITF 2010 - Ash Atalla: 'I don't believe there's a stomach for cutting the BBC'
At the Build Your Own BBC session, producer Ash Atalla warns against "sleep-walking" into causing irrepairable damage to UK television by removing or drastically cutting the license fee
January 2007
This much I know
This much I know
Ash Atalla, TV producer, 34, London
February 2005
Is it just me, or is Britain in a bad mood?
Ash Atalla: Boy oh boy, have I had a bad week. Probably my worst ever. Last Monday I ran over a traffic-warden and broke his leg.
September 2004
Chase that dream - but don't lie to yourself
I know the difference between raw talent and no talent. The latter often comes with self-delusion, says Ash Atalla.
February 2004
Slough goes to Hollywood
Limos, the world's press, Clint Eastwood ... it was unaccustomed glitz and glamour for the Office party - including Ash Atalla - in LA last week for the Golden Globes
January 2004
Office producer leaves BBC for Talkback
Ash Atalla, producer of The Office, has been poached by Talkback, the leading independent TV production company behind Bo Selecta!, Da Ali G Show and I'm Alan Partridge, writes Jason Deans.
October 2003
The jokes are on me
Ash Atalla is a top BBC producer who uses a wheelchair. But as his latest project, All About Me, begins its run, he tells Maggie Brown why TV shouldn't be scared of disability gags.
May 1999
Access all areas
Everyone in comedy is searching for the next Goodness Gracious Me. Has Radio 4 found it in Yes Sir, I Can Boogie? Meg Carter reports
