Gervais to play dolphin in 'Family Guy'

Ricky Gervais is to play a dolphin in the animated American comedy show Family Guy.

The Office star has joined the cast for one season to play the marine mammal who moves into the fictional town of Quahog, Rhode Island, after a chance meeting on a fishing trip.

The show, written by Seth MacFarlane, follows the Griffin family, who include Brian the dog and a psychopathic baby called Stewie.

Gervais, pictured, said of his new role: "Family Guy is my favourite show at the moment. I watch two a night and I'm slightly obsessed. When Seth MacFarlane 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." Gervais' character is called Billy Finn.

The programme, which is shown on BBC Three, also features the voices of Mila Kunis and Seth Green alongside MacFarlane.

In 2006 Gervais wrote and starred in "Homer Simpson, This is your Wife", an episode of The Simpsons featuring a reality television show.