The Office gets global debut on iTunes

David Brent the awkward and unnerving boss of fictional paper merchants Wernham Hogg, first appeared back in 2001. The critically acclaimed series written by Ricky Gervais and Stephen Merchant is now celebrating its 10th anniversary with a wealth of awards, international remakes and broadcasts the world over under its belt.

To date, video viewing of the seminal British comedy classic has been exclusive to DVD where global brand sales are almost 4 million. From today, The Office Series 1, Series 2 and all the Christmas Specials will become available to purchase and download from iTunes to own in the UK, the US, Australia, Canada, France and Germany.

Sometimes it pays to play

Commenting on the announcement, writer and star of The Office Ricky Gervais said: "It's been the most amazing 10 years of my life. Who'd have thought mucking around at work and watching docu soaps through the '90s would be so lucrative"

For the past decade, this brilliantly observed and convincingly acted fly-on-the-wall mocumentary has kept us laughing, with all-time classic comedy scenes from philosopher David Brent and his acute grasp on political correctness, the long-suffering Tim and engaged receptionist, Dawn, who keep themselves sane by playing childish practical jokes on the insufferable, army-obsessed desk mate Gareth.

Top 10 The Office facts and trivia:

1. The Office started life in 1997 as a sketch Ricky Gervais wrote called 'Seedy Boss' - he named that boss David Brent

2. The production has been sold by BBC Worldwide to 170 territories, in 88 countries - it has been remade in 8

3. Nearly 4 million copies of The Office have been sold on DVD. To celebrate the 10th anniversary The Office Complete Collection on iTunes features an exclusive 15-minute interview with Ricky Gervais talking about the making of the series.

4. The Office has helped make Ricky Gervais Britain's most successful comedian, and the only one to appear in Time Magazine's 100 Most Influential People In The World List

5. The first scene of The Office ever written was the one where Brent interviews Karen Roper for the job of PA in episode five

6. The first demo tape of the office was shot in the real office where Ricky used to work

7. In the Canadian version of The Office, the main character was called David Gervais

8. In the French version of The Office (Le Bureau), the stapler in jelly becomes the stapler in fromage

9. Originally Martin Freeman auditioned for the part of Gareth. Ricky first met Martin when he helped write the series Bruiser, which Martin starred in. He met Mackenzie when they worked together on The 11 O'clock Show.

10. The record number of takes for one scene is 74. It's the one where Brent gives Tim an appraisal.

For more information on Ricky Gervais and The Office go to www.RickyGervais.com.