The star of The Office, Ricky Gervais, is to play a villain in Alias.

He will make a one-off appearance as a, "juicy, horrible, evil" villain who battles Jennifer Garner's character Sydney Bristow.

Gervais told TV Guide that he won the role because Alias creator J.J. Abrams is a fan of The Office. The hit comedy is currently gaining a cult following on BBC America.

Gervais's guest appearance on Alias will be filmed sometime next year.

The comedy actor has just completed filming of The Office Christmas special.