Gervais to appear on 'Simpsons' again

LONDON, Aug. 3 (UPI) -- British comedian Ricky Gervais says he will play himself on an upcoming episode of the animated U.S. series "The Simpsons."

The creator of TV's "The Office" first appeared on "The Simpsons" as an office manager in 2006.

The BBC said his next appearance on the show is to air in early 2011 and will be timed to coincide with the next Oscars ceremony.

"I recorded it last week. Didn't mention it as I don't like to show off. You know that. It's a fun episode," Gervais told the comedy Web site Chortle.

"It's weird that I can talk about popping up in 'The Simpsons' so casually," he added. "When I first got into comedy someone asked me what my ultimate ambition was. I said, 'To get a joke on "The Simpsons." I have been a very lucky boy indeed."