Life’s Too Short, BBC Two’s new observational comedy series from Ricky Gervais and Stephen Merchant, begins next month.

Featuring appearances from Gervais and Merchant as themselves, the seven-part series centres on Warwick Davis, one of Britain’s pre-eminent dwarf actors, and follows his day-to-day frustrations.

The series also features guest appearances from Johnny Depp, Sting, Helena Bonham Carter, Steve Carell, Cat Deeley, Sophie Ellis-Bextor, Les Dennis and Keith Chegwin.

Episode 1
Thursday 10th November 2011, 9.30pm

With his career on the slide, a massive tax bill caused by his useless accountant and a wife who’s divorcing him, the showbiz actor has no choice but to open his doors to a film crew 24/7. Maybe living his life like an open wound will get him back on top?

Warwick seeks advice from old pals Ricky Gervais and Stephen Merchant, but Liam Neeson has beaten him to it. The film crew charts Warwick’s every move as he tries to maintain his pride and self-respect in some very unusual situations.

Episode 2
Thursday 17th November 2011, 9.30pm

Despite an awkward appearance at a sci-fi convention, an unsuccessful money-making brainstorming session with his assistant, Cheryl, and a humiliating guest appearance at a Star Wars-themed wedding, Warwick’s fortune seems to be on the rise when Johnny Depp hires him to research a new movie role.

Episode 3
Thursday 24th November 2011, 9.30pm

Warwick launches a new website in a bid to get more work, but it only gets 12 hits – and some nasty online comments. Meanwhile, after his clients at Dwarves For Hire complain that Warwick takes the best roles for himself, he tries to appease them by making showreels re-enacting famous movie scenes.

However, when a call comes looking for someone to take a role opposite Helena Bonham Carter, Warwick takes it for himself. But, is it as glamorous as he hoped?

Episode 4
Thursday 1st December 2011, 9.30pm

This week Warwick’s on the move. After flat hunting with the help of his assistant Cheryl, Warwick moves into his new apartment. He’s also seeking to oust the current head and get himself elected as Chairman of The Society of People of Small Stature.

Meanwhile, messy divorce proceedings continue with his estranged wife Sue, not made any better when he drops in on the old family home and finds her looking rather cosy with her solicitor, Ian.

Troubled by this unexpected turn of events, he turns to Ricky and Stephen for more personal advice and witnesses an awkward video call between Ricky and The Office star Steve Carell…

Episode 5
Thursday 8th December 2011, 9.30pm

With mounting anxieties about the state of his work and home life, Warwick decides to explore different religions – visiting his spiritual counsellor and life coach, a Catholic priest and a Scientologist – in the hope of enlightenment.

At the same time, he tries to get himself back on the market, returning to the dating agency where he met his wife Sue. Matched with Amy, he heads off to their first blind date – which starts off rocky, but eventually gets better. However, on their second date, Warwick’s ego threatens to ruin things…

Episode 6
Thursday 15th December 2011, 9.30pm

Warwick meets up with estranged wife Sue and her solicitor – and new partner – Ian to finalise their divorce settlement. But his decision to bring his accountant along for advice and support doesn’t work out as planned.

Meanwhile, to try and lift his spirits Warwick arranges a flat warming party, inviting new date Amy. With no luck convincing his old co-stars to come along, Warwick splashes out to book Cat Deeley as a celebrity guest for the evening. Amy arrives but Warwick spends the evening trying to impress Cat… which doesn’t go down well with either of them.

Episode 7
Thursday 22nd December 2011, 9.30pm

In the series finale, Warwick attends a charity event in the hope of hanging out with celebrities.

However, in trying to impress Sting he ends up spending more than he can afford. Consequently he has to look for a new home and hopes Amy will see him again.