Actor Stephen Merchant triumphed over his 'Extras' TV show co-star Ricky Gervais at the British Comedy Awards.
Merchant beat Gervais to the title of best TV comedy actor at the star-studded awards ceremony in London last night which saw a surprise appearance by Madonna.
He won the award for his performance as useless showbiz agent Darren Lamb in the BBC2 show.
Gervais had been nominated in the same category for his starring role as Andy Millman.
Merchant, 32, said he would like his character to have a spin-off show.
"I think he should have his own series where Barry and he set up a detective agency," he said.
But he added: "I enjoy working with Ricky so we'll see what the next year brings us. We might do a new series of Extras or something different, maybe a film."
Gervais sent a joke message by video from New York saying: "A British Comedy Award, quite a prize. Not to me, I've won American ones. But to people in that room this is probably the highlight of their career."
Charlotte Church was crowned best female comedy newcomer for her Friday night Channel 4 show while Russell Brand won best male comedy newcomer for his E4 series Russell Brand's Got Issues.
The Writers' Guild of Great Britain Award, given this year in memory of comedy great Ronnie Barker, went to Sacha Baron Cohen and the team behind his hit film Borat. Madonna presented him with his award.
Who Wants to be a Millionaire? host Chris Tarrant was honoured with an outstanding contribution to entertainment award.
Catherine Tate won best TV comedy actress while Peep Show was named best TV comedy.
Chat show host Jonathan Ross hosted the award ceremony, which was broadcast live on ITV.
