Stephen James Merchant (born 24 November 1974) is an English writer, director, radio presenter, comedian, and actor. He is best known for his collaborations with Ricky Gervais and Karl Pilkington, as the co-writer and co-director of the popular British sitcom The Office, co-writer, co-director, and co-star of Extras, and co-host of The Ricky Gervais Show in its radio, podcast, audiobook, and television show forms.