Gervais muses about 'Office' future

LOS ANGELES, Dec. 9 (UPI) -- British actor-writer Ricky Gervais says fans of "The Office" should think more about who will replace the character of Michael than the actor who plays him.

Gervais created and starred in the original British version of "The Office." He also serves as an executive producer on the U.S. adaptation.

Steve Carell, who plays office boss Michael Scott on the American version, has announced he is leaving the show after its current seventh season.

"There's a lot of talk about who's going to replace Steve Carell. You should never think like that," Zap2it.com quoted Gervais as saying Wednesday. "Steve Carell is an actor. You should think about who's replacing Michael Scott. You've got to suspend disbelief -- it's meant to be a fake documentary, and it's all about the story. Even though we know what's going on behind the scenes ... it's what's good for the show that counts."

Gervais said he likes Carell a lot and regards him as "one of the nicest people I've ever met, genuinely," Zap2it.com said.

"There's no one like him. He's untouched by Hollywood, untouched by his fame and cachet -- he's just a lovely family man who loves comedy and the work. He's done an amazing job, above and beyond the call of duty," Gervais said.