Gervais sidekick secures travel series

Ricky Gervais's hapless sidekick Karl Pilkington has landed his own travel series visiting the Seven Wonders of the World, it was announced today.

Pilkington, who became a figure of fun during 'The Office' star's radio shows and podcasts, will be sent to destinations such as the Taj Mahal.

The eight-part series will be screened on Sky 1 next year.

Pilkington's thoughts have already been published in a number of best-selling books including 'The World Of Karl Pilkington'. Channel 4 has also announced plans to screen an animated version of Gervais's podcasts in which Pilkington is a figure of fun for his off-kilter views.

The series was born after Pilkington told Gervais and comedy partner Stephen Merchant he thought the Seven Wonders were "a bit s***", without having visited them.

He will be monitored on his journey to locations such as Petra in Jordan and the Great Wall of China by Gervais and Merchant.

Pilkington said: "I can't wait to get started. Not because I'm excited but because the sooner we start the sooner it will be over."

Commissioning editor Clare Hollywood said: "Karl is a fantastic rising comedy star."

Gervais said: "It's apt that the home of The Simpsons has made room for another bald-headed buffoon. The terrifying thing is this one's real."