Gervais hints at series three

The Office could be back for a third series, creator Ricky Gervais has said.

Hopeless boss David Brent was made redundant in this week's episode, and those involved in the hit BBC2 sitcom have previously said another series is unlikely.

But in an online chat this afternoon, Gervais hinted that it could return.

He said: "We can't give too much away yet but if you watch the last episode next Monday you'll get a big clue."

Afterwards, Gervais told MediaGuardian that the show could come back either for a third series or as a special.

It was only in July that Mackenzie Crook, who plays Gareth, appeared to rule out another run

At the time, he said: "I can't see a third series. It's not the sort of thing that could run and run."

But The Office is one of BBC2's most popular shows, attracting audiences of up to 5million viewers, and the DVD release of the first series sold 80,000 copies last week, making it BBC's best-selling title ever.

Published: 30 Oct 2002