LONDON, March 17 (UPI) -- British comedy writer and actor Ricky Gervais is set to follow up on his hit "The Office" as a grumbling bit-part actor in BBC Two's "The Extras."
In the sitcom, he will play Andy Millman, a reluctant actor and a contrast to his character David Brent in "The Office," which will also feature a string of Hollywood stars who appear in cameo roles.
The character has given up his day job to pursue his dream of acting, but works so rarely he spends his days lingering around the green room, envying the big names.
Stephen Merchant, who co-wrote "The Office" with Gervais but only made a brief appearance in it, is turning his hand to acting in the new series, playing Millman's agent. The other central character is Maggie Jacobs, Millman's best friend and fellow extra, played by Ashley Jenson.
The first episode to be filmed has Gervais as a police officer who is appearing in a film starring Samuel L. Jackson. Future episodes will feature Kate Winslet, Jude Law and Ben Stiller, The Times of London said.
