There's a little something Extra as Ricky bows out

Ricky Gervais says there will not be a third series of his hit TV comedy Extras.

However, he will bow out with a one-off final episode written with co-star Stephen Merchant. It is predicted to be screened at about Christmas.

The two-part Christmas finale of his earlier hit The Office was successful critically and in the ratings, and a source close to Gervais said that result influenced his decision.

"There had been reports that Ricky was going ahead with a third series of Extras, but he is firmly of the opinion that third series are rarely a success and has decided to quit while he's ahead," the source explained.

"He loved making the series and there are tons more A-list stars who want to appear, but Ricky has lots of other things he wants to do and feels this is the right timing."

Last month Gervais, 45, said: "We are always let down by a third season of something we like. I won't say never, like with The Office, but probably not."

He is said to be planning a new drama based on an urban conspiracy theory.