Stephen Merchant (character)

Stephen Merchant
Name	Stephen Merchant
Job	Executive Producer
First Episode	1x01
Last Episode	1x06
Episode count	5
Portrayed by	Stephen Merchant

Stephen Merchant was the executive producer on Meet Ricky Gervais, and was seen regularly taking sexual advantage of the host Ricky Gervais backstage, although in most cases Ricky seemed to enjoy this.

History

"Can I have a copy?" (1x01)

During Ricky's first show, Stephen entered Ricky's dressing room to discuss that he had found out from the producer, Iain Morris, that Ricky had not been turning up for meetings and some of the rehearsals. Ricky revealed the reason he was not attending was because he was being "touched" by Morris. Stephen reacts by wanting to know more, such as where Morris had touched Ricky. Before Ricky can tell, Stephen tells him to "don't tell me, show me" and once again before Ricky does so Stephen adds "on me, not you". Ricky reaches over and places his hand on Stephen's crotch, to which Stephen asks if Morris rubbed it and if he did then Ricky should do it. Visibly enjoy himself, Stephen asked if Ricky touched Morris too. Ricky points out that Morris said that he had to, so Stephen reacts by saying he's going to do touch Ricky in the same place. As the two are rubbing each other's crotches, Stephen reveals he is filming the whole thing but Ricky already knows and asks if he can have a copy of the tape. Stephen requests Ricky look into the camera and say that he wants a copy of the tape and to call him a "bitch" and a "slut". After finishing Stephen off, Ricky is dismissed from the room with the warning that if he ever says anything about Iain Morris again he will never work for Channel 4 again. (1x01)

Ricky is chilling backstage when Stephen shows up once again and sits beside him and feels him up by rubbing his thigh. Ricky backs away to which Stephen says he isn't going to do anything and offers Ricky a cup of coffee which Ricky doesn't want but Stephen insists on getting him anyway. Stephen leaves pointing out how he said he wasn't going to do anything and Ricky thanks him. A woman brings Ricky his coffee, seconds later, and Ricky is revolted that she has put sugar in it. The woman takes a sip and spits it in Ricky's face. She tells him she's going to make him a new one and he's going to drink it whether he likes it or not. (1x02)

Steve wanks in a wardrobe (1x03)

Stephen walks into Ricky's room as he is preparing to go and play squash with his mate Tony, Stephen asks if Ricky is getting changed for it. When Ricky confirms he's getting changed in the other room, Stephen points out that "no he's not". Ricky realises Stephen wants him to change in front of him and asks if he is filming it, Stephen points out he's "always" filming it. There's a knock at the door, as Ricky's mate Tony arrives, Stephen goes and hides in the wardrobe to avoid detection and tells Ricky to "make it good". Ricky convinces Tony to change in this room and "face the wardrobe". Stephen groans orgasmically as Tony takes his pants off and is discovered hiding in the wardrobe by Tony. Tony is confused by what is going on and tells Ricky to block the door as the two men corner Tony. (1x03)

Just before the advert break, Stephen walks out onto the set of the show with a pack of cards and tells Ricky that "it's time". Stephen tells Ricky to serve the cards to members of the audience over the advert break. When Ricky has done so, Stephen asks Ricky to choose a card. Ricky draws the Ace of Hearts to which Stephen asks the audience who of them has the same card. A man raises his hand, Stephen pushes Ricky towards him and asks the man what he wants Ricky to do. The man responds saying he wants Ricky to touch it and rub it, which Stephen tells Ricky he better do. Ricky asks Stephen if he is filming it, as Stephen points to Peter Purves who is recording the whole thing. The man being touched asks if they can all watch it together later on, Stephen says they will. As Ricky finishes off and gets ready to continue with his show, Stephen says to the entire studio audience that if one of them mentions what has happened to anyone they will never be in an audience again. (1x05)

Ricky has a dream of the good times he's had on his show, but eventually he keeps picturing Stephen Merchant and wakes up in a fright in bed next to Tony Green. (1x06)