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The first free series proved so popular it was downloaded 2.9m times and is heading for the Guinness Book of Records as the world's most downloaded podcast. Gervais muttered, 'I have been a fool' at his error.

Series 2 will be available via Audible and iTunes at 95p an episode or £3.75 for the first four. Season 1 will also be available to those fool enough not have got hold of it when it was free for £2.75. Bargain hunters on eBay can also pay 25p more for a CD.

The second series follows the pattern of the first: the ongoing trauma inflicted by Gervais and Merchant upon cerebrally challenged Karl Pilkington. It will be available from 28 February.

More information can be found at www.rickygervais.com.