Ricky Gervais reprises David Brent role for Children In Need

Ricky Gervais is reprising his David Brent role for this year's BBC Children In Need appeal show.

The comedian, who found fame playing the office manager on BBC mockumentary The Office 15 years ago, will perform the title track from the film David Brent: Life On The Road, which was released in August.

The star joins a line-up of famous faces for the annual charity appeal show, including Eddie Redmayne, who will appear in a special sketch, pop stars Little Mix, and Rob Brydon, Lee Mack and David Mitchell, who will feature in an edition of Would I Lie To You?

The cast of EastEnders will appear and Team GB Olympic athletes, including gold medal-winning rower Helen Glover and hockey player Hollie Webb, will take part in a Strictly Come Dancing special.

Canadian superstar Michael Buble - who revealed earlier this month that his three-year-old son Noah had been diagnosed with cancer - has recorded a special performance for the programme.

Doctor Who fans will get a first look at the show's Christmas episode, entitled The Return Of Doctor Mysterio.

The clip will see the Doctor, played by Peter Capaldi, and Nardole, played by Matt Lucas, team up with an investigative reporter played by Charity Wakefield and a masked vigilante played by Justin Chatwin to defend New York from a terrifying alien invasion.

Gervais's one-off performance is being recorded on Wednesday November 16 - two days before the show airs - and fans can apply for tickets to be in the audience via www.bbc.co.uk/showsandtours/shows.

Paul Wright, executive producer of the appeal show, said the programme is "over the moon to welcome mega star David Brent to sing his heart out and help raise money for disadvantaged children throughout the UK".

The show is being presented by Tess Daly, Greg James, Graham Norton, Ade Adepitan and Rochelle and Marvin Humes.

:: The BBC Children In Need appeal show airs on BBC1 and BBC2 at 7.30pm on Friday, November 18.

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