Five star

NOTHING I have watched since I was six has caused me to hide my face behind out-stretched fingers in such embarrassment and shout 'Aaaaagh!' While alone.

Few comedies these days can stir emotions so much that, on one hand, you can't bear to watch them but, on the other, you go out of your way to catch them because they are so hilarious.

Indeed, the fact that this DVD has been reviewed at all is testament to its excellence. We are not normally lured by TV compilations, but this story of daily life at a Slough paper merchant is a classic.

The Office came from nowhere. With its late slot on BBC 2, some people thought it was a real documentary. Others knew instantly it was a brilliant spoof and became lost in the awfulness of David Brent, the military-mindedness of Gareth and the lovelorn antics of Tim and Dawn. All should now be delighted the second series is out and the first available on video and DVD.

Extras on the latter include deleted scenes and a documentary on the making of the programme which reveals that co-writer/star Ricky Gervaise had never acted before, and Gareth, thankfully, wears his hair differently in real life.

SCC