America's NBC orders a second series

The American version of The Office has been recommissioned - despite a disappointing performance in the ratings.

A further 13 episodes of the sitcom will be made for this autumn, the NBC network told advertisers in New York, even though the first run attracted fewer than six million viewers.

NBC Entertainment president Kevin Reilly compared the sitcom to Seinfeld as he justified his decision.  Seinfeld returned disappointing audiences for its first season but went on to become one of the biggest shows in US history.

"We could not face the prospect of not bringing it back given the history NBC has had with the likes of Seinfeld," Mr Reilly said.

He added that The Office attracted elusive upmarket viewers in its Tuesday-night slot, despite relatively little marketing support.

Ricky Gervais said he was "absolutely thrilled" by the news.

"This is a tale with a moral: they could have panicked and sold out to secure success, watered it down into catchphrase comedy with gurning and funny outfits, aimed at the witless and their children, but they didn't and they've been rewarded. And that sort of thing is twice as satisfying." he said.

The debut episode of The Office made a strong slot, with 11.2 million viewers on a Thursday night slot - but when it moved to its regular Tuesday slot the following week, figures settled at around 5.9 million.

Meanwhile Fox is also recommissioning its low rating but critically acclaimed comedy Arrested Development, which airs on BBC2.

The US version of The Office will air on BBC Three from next month.

Published: 18 May 2005