Ricky creates a monster

After David Brent, meet the latest characters created by king of comedy Ricky Gervais.

Flanimals is Gervais's bid to write a children's book - and the characters could even make it to TV screens.

The star and writer of hit sitcom The Office became an award winner in Britain and the US thanks to his famously awful office manager, David Brent. But his new characters are even more unpleasant, with names such as Mernimbler, Underblenge and the Grundit.

Flanimals is about bizarre animals with strange habits, described as "Dr Seuss meets Spike Milligan". It is Gervais's first attempt at a children's illustrated book and it is being lined up as a Christmas stocking filler.

Gervais said he came up with the idea almost a decade ago.

He said: "I was making up stupid animals for my nephew, it just sort of happened and it became a labour of love."

He collaborated on the book with comic-strip artist Rob Steen. Now thanks to Gervais's huge success, publisher Faber has snapped up the book, which goes on sale in October.

Gervais said: "My name must help but I'm insisting The Flanimals are bigger than me.

"Rob and I have done everything and Faber have been great and never interfered - which is why I work with the BBC.

"The only way to get what you want, the only way to get anything approaching art, craft or creativity, is to do exactly what you want to do.

"I don't like seeing my fat face on TV, the only thing I like doing is the work."

Gervais, 43, also hinted at a possible TV adaptation for The Flanimals. He said: "I actually see other formats for The Flanimals before other books."

Fans who miss the more adult humour of The Office can look forward to Gervais's new sitcom, Extras, set in a green room for supporting actors in films. The BBC has first refusal and it is likely to appear next year.