Gervais to play Family Guy character

Ricky Gervais is returning to TV to play a dolphin on Family Guy.

The Office star and creator has moved into films and directing since the show made him a comedy superstar, but now he will join the cast of Seth McFarlane's hit animated series for a special cameo.

The star will play Billy Finn, a dolphin who moves in near the dysfunctional Griffin family in an episode entitled Be Careful What You Fish For.

Gervais says, "Family Guy is my favourite show at the moment. I watch two a night and I'm slightly obsessed.

"When Seth McFarlane phoned me out of the blue and said he was a huge fan I was delighted. It was such a joy working with the team and I really like the way my character looks too."

It's not the first time Gervais has been animated for TV - he starred in and wrote an episode of The Simpsons.