...alongside Madonna!

Ricky Gervais is to appear in Jerry Seinfeld’s new TV show – alongside Madonna.

The Office star will join the queen of pop and Larry David on the panel of Seinfeld’s forthcoming NBC show called The Marriage Ref.

The show, which airs next month marks Seinfeld’s return to network TV 12 years after his top-rated sitcom ended.

The show will feature fighting couples who will then have their argments judged by a team of celebrities.

Gervais – who is in a long-term relationship with TV producer Jane Fallon but has never married – said: ‘I got a call on my mobile, “Hi it's Jerry Seinfeld here.” Unbelievable.

‘He's doing a new comedy show about marriage guidance and we wants me to be involved. I'm filming it next month in New York. That was a big enough thrill.

‘But I was blown away with all the amazingly nice things he had to say about The Office and Extras and my stand-up. I pointed out that my ambition was to one day be even nearly as good as him. It was amazing

Seinfeld added: ‘ Our entire drive is to try to make you laugh. After 10 years of marriage I have discovered the comedic potential of this subject is quite rich.’

Published: 12 Feb 2010