Gervais lands Star Trek captain

Patrick Stewart starred as Captain Jean-Luc Picard in Star Trek

Star Trek actor Patrick Stewart is the latest big name to join Ricky Gervais' new BBC Two sitcom Extras, replacing Jude Law, who had to pull out.

Playing himself, Stewart will be subjected to ridicule in the show, which is due to air in the summer.

Gervais will star as a struggling bit-part actor who is openly jealous and rude about the stars he encounters.

Stewart's past roles, including Star Trek and Shakespeare, would be worked into the script, a spokeswoman said.

Ricky Gervais is currently filming Extras

The 64-year-old played Captain Jean-Luc Picard in the Star Trek: The Next Generation.

He also known for his serious stage roles and is currently starring in the critically-acclaimed West End play A Life in the Theatre.

Gervais has already signed up Samuel L Jackson, Kate Winslet and Ben Stiller to play themselves in Extras, which he is currently filming.

He secured the Hollywood stars on the back of the success of his first sitcom, The Office, which found a huge fanbase in both the UK and US.

But Jude Law pulled out of his planned guest role because of filming commitments in the US.