Gervais wins US TV deal

Ricky Gervais has sold his new comedy series Extras to the US channel behind The Sopranos

The deal with cable channel HBO could turn Gervais into a major star in the US.

Extras is his follow-up to The Office and Gervais plays a struggling actor who lands bit parts in movies.

It will feature cameos from Hollywood stars including Samuel L Jackson, Ben Stiller, Kate Winslet and Patrick Stewart.

The six-part series will be screened on BBC2 this summer.

Gervais said: "It's an honour to be on the same channel that gave us The Sopranos and they made me an offer I couldn't refuse."

HBO is also the home of such hit shows as Sex and the City and Six Feet Under.

It made Sacha Baron Cohen a star in the US by screening Da Ali G Show.

The channel snapped up Extras after signing a deal with BBC Worldwide.

HBO president of entertainment, Carol Strauss, said: "Ricky Gervais is one of the most original comic voices working today. HBO is extremely proud to join with the BBC in bringing his new show to America."

The Office became a cult hit in the US when it was shown on BBC America and won two Golden Globes.