Jude Law has been forced to drop out of Ricky Gervais’s new comedy Extras, citing work commitments.

The Hollywood star would have appeared as himself in one episode of the show, which revolves around the life of struggling actor Andy Millman.

Law is currently working on a remake of the classic 1949 drama All The King's Men, which also stars Kate Winslet – also lined up for a role in Extras.

The comedy, which Gervais wrote with The Office co-creator Stephen Merchant, was unveiled as the jewel in BBC2’s spring and summer schedule last week.

A BBC publicist said: "It's a shame because Ricky and Jude wanted to work together.

"However, Steve and Ricky’s script for Jude  has been put on hold so hopefully they can make it at some point in the future.

“They are now looking for someone else to take his place There are other scripts available – they overwrote anyway – so they can tailor that to fit whoever they get.”

Extras is now being filmed in London, and is expected to take another two months – time in which they need to find Law’s replacement.

Samuel L Jackson, Ben Stiller, Ross Kemp, Vinnie Jones and Les Dennis will all still "twisted versions" of themselves in the series.