Ricky Gervais has found a new purpose in life – playing a dolphin in the animated American comedy show Family Guy.

The Office star has joined the cast for one season to play the marine mammal who moves into the fictional town of Quahog, Rhode Island, after a chance meeting on a fishing trip.

The surreal show, written by Seth McFarlane, follows the Griffin family, who include Brian the talking dog and a psychopathic baby called Stewie. Mr Gervais’s character is called Billy Finn.

The actor said: “Family Guy is my favourite show at the moment.

“I watch two a night and I’m slightly obsessed. When Seth McFarlane phoned me out of the blue and said he was a huge fan I was delighted. It was such a joy working with the team and I really like the way my character looks too.”

The programme, which is shown on BBC Three, also features the voices of Mila Kunis and Seth Green alongside Mr McFarlane.

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