Saudi version of The Office to launch 20 years after BBC original

Saudi Arabia is set to introduce its own version of The Office nearly 20 years after the BBC original hit the screens. BBC Studios, the corporation’s commercial arm, has sold the comedy format to MBC Studios, the production wing of a Saudi-owned satellite television giant. Production on the show, which will be known as Al Maktab, will begin this month, with Saleh Abuamrh, a 35-year-old Riyadh-based actor, stepping into the shoes of Ricky Gervais’s cringe-worthy manager. It will be the 12th international version of The Office, noted The Times.

Man attempts bungee world record

A Frenchman who had a childhood fear of heights is attempting to break the 24 hours bungee jumping world record. Francois-Marie Dibon began his bid at River Garry in Perthshire on Tuesday. Plummeting 40 metres towards the river, the 44-year-old is hoping to beat the current record of 430 jumps in one day which was set five years ago at Auckland Harbour Bridge in New Zealand. Before attempting his feat, Dibon told STV News that he was feeling “happy and in the present”. His attempt is being scrutinised by Guinness World Record judge Joanne Brent.

World’s biggest plant discovered

Scientists say they have discovered the biggest plant on the planet off the Western Australian coast. The Guardian said the seed has grown to what is now believed to be the biggest plant anywhere on Earth, covering just over three times the size of Manhattan island. Scientists were stunned when samples from the site showed there were not multiple specimens of Posidonia australis, but one single plant. “We thought ‘what the hell is going on here?’” said Dr Martin Breed, an ecologist at Flinders University. “We were completely stumped.”

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