Ricky Gervais has recruited Madonna to appear in his new sitcom Extras.

The deal was made backstage at Saturday's Live 8 event in Hyde Park, where the singer declared that she was a great fan of Gervais' other show, The Office.

A source told The Sun: "When Madonna asked for a part in the next series of Extras, she shook hands with Ricky and he said, 'You do know that is a verbal contract!'

"They are both keen and Ricky's planning on keeping Madonna to her word. She's a massive fan of The Office and she'll be great in Extras."

She later said in a television interview: "I told him I would sweep his floor for him if he would employ me."

The first series of Extras begins on July 21, with cameos from such stars as Samuel L. Jackson, Ben Stiller and Kate Winslet.