�Extras,� Ricky Gervais� latest series, looks set to sweep the board at this year�s British Comedy Awards.

The programme, which has attracted performances from the likes of Les Dennis, Ben Stiller and Kate Winslet � has received five nominations � including best comedy, best comedy actor and best new comedy.

It�s main competition is from Matt Lucas and David Walliams� hugely successful brainchild, �Little Britain.�

Other comedians up for awards are Catherine Tate for her self-titled show, Tamsin Greig for Channel Four�s �Green Wing,� Ant and Dec, Jonathan Ross and Paul O�Grady.

Executive producer of the awards, Michael Hurll is quoted on Reuters as saying: �This year�s comedy output on television is probably the strongest ever in the 16 years of the British Comedy Awards.�