Ricky Gervias defends Channel 4 drama, Derek

Ricky Gervais drama Derek has premiered to mixed reaction, including a drubbing from MSN's TV reviewer, but the man himself is unrepentant. Instead, he has slammed sections of the media for their negativity.

Speaking on Richard Bacon's BBC Radio 5 Live show, he said: "Every single week has been the end of my career if you believe six or seven journalists. "It makes no difference to me or my work. I don't care if people like it or not. I'm happy with it, I get the final edit."

He added: "These people have got to write a blog or an article every day, they have to write about something and now and again when I do something that gives them something to write about. It's just noise. It's just graffiti. Most people make their own minds up, which is good."

Derek averaged a solid overnight rating of 1.9m viewers; a further 246,000 watched on timeshifted Channel 4 +1. The comedy drama pilot may be picked up for a full series as Ricky Gervais revealed he is penning more episodes.