Groening wants Gervais back

Matt Groening has revealed that he would love to see Ricky Gervais return to work with The Simpsons team in any capacity.

Speaking about a possible comeback, Groening said: "We loved having him on the show. Whatever he wants to do - we'd love to have his character return. Or he could do something completely new."

The cartoonist added: "It was such a thrill for us to have him - the main reason we have guests on is because we're fans."

Extras star Gervais wrote and starred in an episode of the animation comedy, titled 'Homer Simpson, This Is Your Wife'. The episode which aired in 2006 involved a wife swap scenario, with Gervais' character moving in with Marge Simpson.