Gervais again rules out third series

Ricky Gervais has again ruled out a third series of The Office.

He said he and co-writer Stephen Merchant are concentrating their efforts on a one-off special charting what happens to the staff of Wernham Hogg

He told BBC Choice's Liquid News: "There's no point in getting it commissioned, starting to write and finding we've only got enough material for two hours."

The decision will be a blow to fans - and BBC2 controller Jane Root, who has stated publicly and often that she would do anything for the show to return.

However, cynics have claimed his stance could just serve to strengthen his bargaining position. Gervais has already named the most powerful man in comedy in a Radio Times poll this week.

Gervais is currently performing his live show Animals in London.

Published: 9 Jan 2003