March 4, 2013 14:52

Ricky Gervais' new sitcom 'Derek' gets second series from Channel 4

The show stars Gervais as a kind-hearted but socially awkward carer at an old people's home

Ricky Gervais' latest TV show Derek is to return for a second run.

The comedy-drama series stars Gervais as Derek Noakes, a kind-hearted but socially awkward carer at an old people's home. Many viewers have interpreted the character as displaying signs of autism, though Gervais - who also writes and directs the show - has insisted this was not his intention.

Derek launched with a pilot episode last April (2012) before a six-part series was given the green light and began airing this January. The final episode is set to air this Friday (March 6).

Now Channel 4 has commissioned a second series of six 30-minute episodes after Derek "garnered a loyal following". Gervais said in a statement: "Derek is probably my favourite thing of everything I've done, so I can't wait to start thinking up some new adventures for the gang."

Meanwhile, Gervais has recently revived his most famous comic creation, David Brent, for a one-off special called The Office Revisited that will air as part of BBC Comic Relief on March 15. Click here to watch a preview clip.