Simpsons creator praises Gervais

The Simpsons creator Matt Groening said Ricky Gervais did such a good job writing an episode of the hit US comedy show that he wants him to do more.

The Office star wrote and appears in the episode, which is due to be screened in the US in the spring.

Groening said Gervais was good enough to be a regular character, according to reports in the UK press.

"He caught our tone exactly, and then added his own Ricky Gervais/David Brent patheticness," Groening said.

"Everything you could ever possibly want from Ricky Gervais you get.

"It's possible we'll collaborate again... he should be a regular character. In fact, he should have his own cartoon series."

Gervais' character in The Simpsons is based on David Brent from The Office sitcom.

He moves into The Simpson household with Marge as the family take part in an episode of Wife Swap, while Homer moves in with his wife.

Gervais was invited to pen the episode by Groening, who is a fan of The Office.

He described writing the episode as a "dream come true".