'Extras' gets second series

New Ricky Gervais comedy Extras has been given a second series, the BBC confirmed today.

The show, which has averaged 3.9 million viewers across its first four episodes, will be back for a new run of "at least" six episodes in 2006.

US co-pro channel HBO has taken up its option to be involved with the next series, before the first has even aired Stateside.

"It's a good job the BBC offered us a second series as Stephen [Merchant] and I had already booked the studio and promised about 30 actors a job," said Gervais. "Mind you, we'd done that before the first series had been commissioned too."

BBC Two controller Roly Keating added: "I'm thrilled that Ricky and Stephen will be making a second series and that the audience will be able to share more of Andy and Maggie's excruciating experiences in the world of showbiz. We've discussed ideas for the new series and the potential is huge!"

The first series wraps next Thursday (August 25) with an episode featuring Patrick Stewart.