The beloved UK comedy The Office has been through many transformations, from the Ricky Gervais original to the cult status of the US version starring Steve Carell and another dozen different versions across the world. Now, in its first Australian adaptation, comedian Felicity Ward steps into the spotlight as Hannah Howard, the bumbling yet well-meaning managing director of Sydney-based packaging company Flinley Craddick. WATCH THE VIDEO ABOVE: Felicty Ward’s message to hesitant The Office fans.
Know the news with the 7NEWS app: Download today But fans of the original shows have voiced some hesitation — especially given the iconic status of the UK and US iterations. Ward, however, implores them to give the show a chance. “I think a lot of people have contempt prior to investigation,” Ward tells 7NEWS.
com.au of the fan backlash. “But for everyone that’s seen it, the amount of people that have said, ‘Oh my God, I am a huge fan of the American Office, and I effing loved this,’ it’s been overwhelming.
” But Ward understands the fan anxiety. “I’ve had shows that I adore, and I was really angry when they remade them too. When you find something that makes your heart sing, it’s hard to let go.
” Still, she’s confident in what The Office Australia offers, urging fans to give it a chance before jumping to conclusions. “Watch it and then have an opinion. If you like the American Office, I think you’ll like the Australian one.
” The 44-year-old Ward is ma.