CNN —More than 20 years after British comedian Ricky Gervais gave insufferable middle-manager David Brent global fame, an Australian version of the hit show “The Office” is being made, this time with a female lead. Since its debut in 2001, “The Office” has won multiple awards and inspired local versions in countries including Chile, Israel, India, and Poland. The Australian series is the 13th adaption and the first to cast a woman in the lead role. The Australian edition is co-produced by BBC Studios Australia and New Zealand, Bunya Entertainment, and Amazon Studios. In a statement, Gervais, who co-created “The Office” with Stephen Merchant said he was excited about the Australian version.

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Persons: Ricky Gervais, David Brent, Felicity Ward, Hannah Howard, Brent, Michael Scott, ”, Ward, she’d, Gervais, Stephen Merchant, Kylie Washington, it’s Organizations: CNN, BBC, Wakefield ”, BBC Studios, Bunya Entertainment, Amazon Studios, BBC Studios ANZ Locations: British, Chile, Israel, India, Poland, BBC Studios Australia, New Zealand, Sydney