A Ricky Gervais lookalike has told how his whole life changed after the release of The Office – and has even been asked to appear in porn as David Brent.

Tim Oliver, 59, has been travelling as far away Australia to do gigs since becoming an impersonator in 2001.

The lookalike also said he has met Gervais and interviewed him in character – but immediately turned down starring in an adult film in character.

Tim, from East Grinstead, said: “I’ve got a wife and four kids - I couldn’t do that!

"I’ve managed to bring up four kids, have a nice house, nice cars. I make a very good living.”

Tim first became a Gervais impersonator shortly after the release of The Office when people started to come up to him and ask if he was David Brent.

The Argus: Tim Oliver in characterTim Oliver in character (Image: SWNS)

After quitting his job in the events business, he started getting bookings in Newcastle and as far away as Perth.

Unsurprisingly, Tim is a self-proclaimed Ricky Gervais mega fan - and has met him.

Tim said: “I think he’s a genius.

“I got summoned to meet him once by some journalists working at Total Film magazine.

“I got asked if I would interview Ricky as Brent.

The Argus: Tim in characterTim in character (Image: SWNS)

“We basically just messed around for an hour and a half. It was great, we got on really well.

“I think he was a bit spooked at first though, but he’s a very nice fella.”

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Tim says he's mostly well-received - although a family needed convincing at a wake he did.

He said: "This bloke had died young - in his early 30s - and his mates booked me. They said he was the biggest fan ever.

“We came up with idea where I’d walk in and sing Freelove Freeway.

“I turned up at a hotel and walked into the wake. All his mates were at the bar drinking.

“It was the most awkward thing I’ve ever done in my life."