Martin Freeman has quit ITV's comedy series Hardware in order to pursue more "serious" acting roles.

The actor - better known as Tim from The Office - played the co-manager of a DIY store in the sitcom, which, despite being a critical flop, regularly pulled in over 4 million viewers.

"He wants to turn his back on comedy to avoid typecasting," a source told The Sun. "ITV comedy chiefs are now looking to cast another actor or comedian in his role."