Gervais: American David Brent is 'genius'

Office creator Ricky Gervais has bestowed high praise upon his counterpart in the US version of the show.

Daily Show actor Steve Carrell plays the American David Brent in the series, which premieres on NBC in March.

"It really is brilliant," Gervais told Radio 1. "Steve Carell, who plays my character - although he's now called Michael Scot, not David Brent - is absolute genius.

"It's based on our characters and our direction, but they've really made it their own and it's brilliant. I can say that because I had very little involvement. I really hope it's a success because that will make me even more money!"