For those who don't know, "Extras" is the new series by comic genius Ricky Gervais, who was responsible for "The Office". In it, Ricky plays an Extra called Andy who's always trying to get a line in one of the films he's doing. This gives them the opportunity to bring in big name stars as central characters for each episode. For example, in last season Kate Winslett was doing a movie where she played a Nun trying to rescue Jews from Nazi Germany. The comedy came from the fact that she was "just doing it for the Oscar". " You know, everyone keeps asking when's Kate going to win the Oscar". To see Kate Winslett giving advice on how to perform phone sex was simply priceless!A few days ago there was news on actor Dan Radcliffe's upcoming appearance on the Ricky Gervais show "Extras." Today there are new reports online which give further detail about all the guest stars for this season. Dan Radcliffe (Harry Potter) is now described as playing a character on the show who is a "yob." Other stars set to appear on the comedy series that airs here on HBO include musician Chris Martin of Coldplay, rocker David Bowie, as well as actors Orlando Bloom, and Sir Ian McKellen. The series began filming this week, however no individual episode information is yet available, and we do not yet know when the episode with Dan will air. Thanks to Rose and all who emailed!
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Bowie sprinkles stardust on Extras
(Thursday June 08, 2006 12:21 AM)
David Bowie, Orlando Bloom, Coldplay singer Chris Martin and Harry Potter star Daniel Radcliffe are set to appear in the next series of Ricky Gervais' comedy Extras.
Gervais, 44, started filming the second series of his follow-up to The Office on Monday.
Sir Ian McKellen, 67, has also signed up for the BBC comedy, along with veteran actor Richard Briers, Stephen Fry, Ronnie Corbett, Diana Rigg, Moira Stewart and Germaine Greer.
Madonna, Tom Cruise and Brad Pitt were also reported to have wanted parts, but will not be appearing in the BBC2 show which returns in the autumn.
In one episode, Gervais - in character as extra Andy Millman - kisses Da Vinci Code actor Sir Ian, according to The Sun newspaper. Sir Ian tells anxious Millman to kiss him for a play, and later calls an assistant to bring him Vaseline.
The Sun says Bowie, 59, has already filmed his episode, in which he sings.
Gervais' character is desperate to meet him and bribes his way into a VIP area of a private members' club, but is asked to leave when Bowie starts performing.
Pirates of the Caribbean star Bloom, 29, sends himself up as a character desperate to date Maggie, played by Scottish actress Ashley Jensen, but she rebuffs him and the Hollywood star is furious.
Coldplay star Martin asks to star in a sitcom Millman is making, reflecting the requests Gervais gets for Extras, while Radcliffe, 16, plays a yob, and newsreader Stewart is involved in a cocaine plot.
The first series, also written by Gervais and his comedy partner Stephen Merchant, starred Hollywood names Samuel L Jackson, Kate Winslet and Ben Stiller.
