5.3M watch 'Extras' finale on British TV

LONDON, Dec. 28 (UPI) -- About 5.3 million viewers tuned in to see the series finale of the sit-com "Extras" when it aired Thursday on British television, the BBC reported.

The Christmas special/finale also was broadcast earlier this month on the U.S. premium cable network HBO.

"Extras" was written by and starred Ricky Gervais and Stephen Merchant, who also collaborated on the British version of the TV sit-com "The Office."

The "Extras" finale found former film extra Andy Millman unhappily trapped on the TV reality show "Celebrity Big Brother" after he gave up his own sit-com because it wasn't fulfilling.

"Extras" producer Charlie Hanson said he was "very pleased" with the ratings for the final installment of the comedy series, which featured appearances by George Michael, Gordon Ramsay and Clive Owen.

Stars David Bowie, Kate Winslet, Ben Stiller, Patrick Stewart, Ian McKellen, Daniel Radcliffe, Samuel L. Jackson, Robert De Niro, Chris Martin and Orlando Bloom all made appearances on the show during its two-season run.