Millions of viewers tuned in to watch the latest festive antics of egotistical boss David Brent in BBC’s hit comedy The Office – but staff at U-fit.co.uk gave him a run for his money in the Christmas TV schedule.
They let their hair down for the cameras at the Christmas party – and the hilarious results were screened in the documentary Office Christmas Parties on BBC2 on Sunday, December 21 at 10.20pm. Nearly two million households tuned in to watch the show and the firm has been bombarded with thousands of emails from well-wishers saying how much they enjoyed it.
The cameras rolled as the 33-strong workforce partied the night away at the Charterhouse in Stoke, Coventry – and TV producers loved their capers so much that they devoted the entire hour-long programme to them.
Film crews spent several weeks in the run-up to the party following the working lives of U-fit husband-and-wife team John and Ann Armstrong and their staff adjusting to life in their new offices – dubbed the ‘Pink Palace’ for the bright and unique decor.
And there were plenty of David Brent moments caught on camera – including John laying down the law to his sales team dressed as Father Christmas and the couple frantically practising their karaoke skills before the big night.
Company manager Ann explained: “The film crews captured the trials and tribulations leading up to the office do – and it certainly wasn’t plain sailing for us.
"We were forced to switch the venue of our Christmas party from an Indian restaurant just days before it was due to happen. It was all quite hectic really. John conducted an important sales meeting dressed as Santa – and no-one even batted an eyelid – but he certainly wasn’t spreading Christmas cheer that day.”
“On the night of the party everyone let their hair down, the drink flowed freely. There were rows, some people couldn’t even stand up properly and there was even a Sharon Osbourne moment from me, I’m ashamed to say!”
Other highlights on the night included a karaoke session, Oscar-style awards ceremony and a comedian.
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