Clive Owen among guests in special episode

HBO has a little pre-Christmas present for fans of its show "Extras": The final episode of the series.

As they did with their version of "The Office," Ricky Gervais and Stephen Merchant are sending "Extras" out with a special episode titled "The Extra Special Series Finale." The 80-minute special, which checks back in with background actor-turned-sitcom star Andy Millman (Gervais), is scheduled to air Sunday, Dec. 16.

He's found success on a widely viewed but critically savaged sitcom, but Andy still finds he wants something more -- respect. His quest to be taken seriously leads him to take "drastic measures that will turn his life upside down."

Fellow regulars Merchant, Ashley Jensen and Shaun Williamson (Barry off "EastEnders") will be back for the finale, along with a host of guest stars. Among the famous faces appearing in the special are Clive Owen ("Elizabeth: The Golden Age"), David Tennant ("Doctor Who"), George Michael and TV chef Gordon Ramsay.

Gervais hardly lacks for respect in real life. He won the Emmy for outstanding lead actor in a comedy earlier this year, and both "Extras" and "The Office" have won numerous awards in the U.K.