Stephen Merchant to star in HBO pilot

LONDON, July 24 (UPI) -- British actor and writer Stephen Merchant, a frequent collaborator of Ricky Gervais, is penning and will star in a TV pilot for HBO, Deadline reported.

The BBC said the show is based on Merchant's 2011 stand-up comedy tour "Hello Ladies" and will be about an Englishman looking for love in Los Angeles.

Merchant is best known for his work with Gervais on the original British version of "The Office," as well as the sitcoms "Extras" and "Life's Too Short."

He has also appeared in the big-screen comedies "Hall Pass" and "Tooth Fairy."