大象传媒

Ricky Gervais talks about his new stand-up DVD, Science. He looks back on the continuing mega-success of The Office, and getting a cameo in Curb Your Enthusiasm.

Ricky also explains how his stand-up routine has evolved, and why he loves Karl Pilkington, who joins in the conversation on the phone, to insist that he's not a millionaire, and even has to do his own grouting.

Richard's Big Obession this week is his age. He's about to leave the valuable 16-34 demographic - which has major implications for how he dresses and who he can date. Philosopher and author Alain de Botton, comedian Danny Wallace and advertising executive Bobby Hui try to sooth Richard's fears about turning 35 - while Ricky Gervais points out that he was in his late 30s before even turning his hand to comedy.

Bette Midler brings a bit of old school Hollywood glamour to proceedings as she tells Richard about her new album, Memories of You. She tells Richard about being the last guest on the Jonny Carson Show, her love of English aristocracy but her boredom with the recent royal engagement. She also tells of her love for Keith Richards, and her feeling that the X Factor effect is detrimental to modern music.

Also on the programme, our correspondent Jane Peel explains the decision by judges in the 7/7 inquest to allow sensitive intelligence to be heard in public, against the wishes of the government.

Text: 85058 (charged at your standard message rate). Email: bacon@bbc.co.uk Twitter @richardpbacon.