The Ricky Gervais Show Ricky Gervais and Steve Merchant returned to XFM, the alternative London-based radio station in September 2001 after the first series of The Office had been broadcast. Due to the phenomenal success of the show, Ricky was important enough to now be given his own producer, one Karl Pilkington. Drivers Lifetec Lt 417004308. Although Karl was hired to just to 'press the buttons', Ricky and Steve got him involved more and more with the show over the subsequent weeks and soon became fascinated with his personal life, unconventional childhood and ridiculous stories. By the end of the first season Karl had become a crucial part of the show's success. Commodore4eva Download Music. Despite being without his partners in comedy it looks like Karl Pilkington is back to his barmy best. Karl Pilkington has recently turned 40 and is on a brand new adventure for Sky 1, The Moaning of Life. Sans Gervais and Merchant, the five-part documentary will see the spin-off star 'try and answer more of life's big questions'.