New Gervais series confirmed for summer launch

Ricky Gervais' new comedy series Extras will launch this summer, it has been confirmed today.

The comedian recently revealed that he wanted his new show to debut during the summer on BBC Two - and it appears he has his wish.

"I'd like to get it out for the summer again," he told heat. "Just start all over again. BBC2, Monday, 9.30pm. Like The Office, which started 9 July, 2001. I would like to sneak it out like that again with no hype."

In the show, Gervais plays Andy Millman, a struggling actor who spends most of the time stuck in the green room with other extras. Gervais' writing partner Stephen Merchant appears as Andy's agent.

Each episode of Extras has a different setting and will feature cameo appearances from the likes of Samuel L Jackson, Kate Winslet, Ben Stiller, Ross Kemp, Vinnie Jones and Les Dennis.