Ricky Gervais Wants Celebrities Replaced With NHS Workers On 2021 Honours List

Ricky Gervais wants celebrities to be banned from next year's New Year Honours List so that the prizes can instead be given to those who've toiled tirelessly on the front line of the fight against Covid-19.

The 56-year-old comedian and actor said that only those who've been working for the NHS and other front line staff should be considered for recognition in the first honours of 2021, instead of the usual cavalcade of sportspeople and celebrities.

To be fair, celebs aren't the only ones who pick up titles and honours, but it does feel like some of the folks who've put themselves into the firing line to fight this pandemic should get the bulk of the praise.

Speaking to The Christian O'Connell Show in Australia, the After Life star said: "I never want anyone to complain about the NHS again, or nurses or doctors or anyone on the front line. We've got to remember we clapped for them and that should always be there.

"The New Year's Honours List should not go to celebrities this year. It should go to those people."

He continued: "Give it to someone who gave a kidney to a stranger, not someone who invented a new type of mascara.

"I've seen people given a knighthood for services to fashion. What are you talking about, services to fashion?

"Christ, it's not that hard. People are finding cures for cancer and AIDS."

Hmm, that's a bit of a reach. Let's let the scientists work on the cure for cancer instead of sending Stella McCartney along to have a crack.

In the same interview, Gervais also aimed a dig at reality TV stars, who he believes are so desperate in their pursuit of fame and recognition that it is 'bordering on mental illness'.

He argued: "We all want to be happy. We don't know how to do it. Sometimes we're sold bad advice.

"People think fame can make them happy. Then they're like, 'Why am I not happy?' People don't realise having worth is a huge thing to tick off before you can feel happy. And fame's not the place for it.

"I see these reality shows they go on and they're bordering on mental illness, in a way. People think, 'Oh, if I could just be loved and accepted by strangers I'd be happy.' No, that's not true either.

"You've got to learn to love yourself."

As for Gervais' own pursuits during lockdown, he's just confirmed that the third series of his vastly popular Netflix show After Life is on the cards.

In fact, Netflix confirmed it with a simple tweet that read: "NEWS: After Life will return for season 3."

It's as simple as that, really.

Featured Image Credit: PA

Topics: TV and Film, Celebrity, UK Entertainment, US Entertainment

Tom Wood

Tom Wood is a LADbible journalist and Twin Peaks enthusiast. Despite having a career in football cut short by a chronic lack of talent, he managed to obtain degrees from both the University of London and Salford. According to his French teacher, at the weekend he mostly likes to play football and go to the park with his brother. Contact Tom on [email protected]

@TPWagwim