The recent reports that said Simpsons creator, Matt Groening, was that disappointed at not having been invited on Ricky Gervais's second series of Extras might have, perhaps, been overstating the emotion because he (Gervais) has been asked to return (Simpsons). Or, as is the way my cynical mind works, it might have more to do with the fact that after the airing of Gervais's penned episode, 'Homer Simpson - This Is Your Wife', Sky attracted 2.2 million UK viewers. The highest rated Simpsons episode and Sky One's second highest rated show ever.

A show's source stated, "Ricky was a massive hit. We're desperate to get him back as soon as possible to repeat the success."

Don't expect it to happen too soon because not only did this episode take two years to put together but lip service like this must be taken with a pinch of salt. It's not as if they haven't got the time to put together another Gervais episode as Fox have just commissioned another two seasons taking the show up to, at least, 2008 ensuring The Simpsons remains the longest running prime-time entertainment show in America.