Gervais's Simpsons is a winner

Ratings hit: Ricky Gervais
11 April 2012
The Weekender

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Ricky Gervais's episode of The Simpsons was a ratings winner - claiming Sky One's highest-ever viewing figures for the cartoon

Gervais, 44, voiced the part of an English office manager, Charles, who lives with Marge following a Wife Swap-style reality show.

He was asked to pen the episode by US Simpsons creator Matt Groening, a big fan of The Office.

Homer Simpson: This is Your Wife, was the first time a British writer has been asked to write an episode of the long-running comedy.

Last night 2.18 million viewers watched the episode, giving Sky One its highest ever audience for the cartoon comedy.

It also became Sky One's second most-watched show following an episode of Friends that attracted 2.8 million in 2000.

The Extras star is the latest in a long line of names, such as Tony Blair, Sir Paul McCartney, Bill Clinton, Buzz Aldrin and Pierce Brosnan, to have voiced a character in the animated show.

A new episode of The Simpsons is usually watched by just over one million viewers on Sky One.

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