The Simpsons creator Matt Groening has asked Ricky Gervais to write more episodes of the cult cartoon.

The Office star appears as alter-ego David Brent in a self-penned episode airing in the US this Spring. Groening was so impressed with his work that he wants Gervais back to write more - and has even hinted that Brent could become a regular character on the show.

“Ricky’s episode is fantastic," said Groening. "Everything you could ever possibly want from Ricky Gervais you get. He caught our tone exactly and then added his own Ricky Gervais/David Brent patheticness.”

He added: "It's possible we'll collaborate again. Actually he should be a regular character. In fact, he should have his own cartoon series."