Ricky Gervais Praises Steve Carell

British funnyman Ricky Gervais has praised Steve Carell for his hard work on the US version of comedy series The Office.

Gervais, who celebrated his 47th birthday by working on his new film Men From the Pru, says he's on a high because Carell has just signed up to star in the American adaptation of the BBC TV series as Michael Scott, the neurotic regional manager, for another three years.

He says, "He is the hardest working man in Hollywood and the harder he works, the better it is for me.

"I had to wear a beard for one day on This Side of The Truth and I hated every minute of it.

"Steve had to do months of that in Evan Almighty and I heard he didn't complain once.

"He is a very nice man and deserves all his success. I am just as dedicated to my art without compromise, but only between the hours of 9am and 3pm."

Ricky said he's also working on a spin-off series of the American Office, but added, "I can't tell you anything yet."