'I'm too famous for pubs'

Which comedian has called time on his local?...

09:18 13 September 2011

Ricky Gervais has spoken about the downside of fame, revealing that it's impossible for him to go down the pub for a pint.

The Office star has said that popping down to his local is now a thing of the past, telling The Sun:

"As soon as I got on the cusp of fame I stopped.

"I miss the pub but you can't do it. Life is too short. People are lovely but someone will come and sit down and ask, 'Can I join you for a pint?' And I say, 'No, I don't know you, so obviously not.'

"People then tell me, 'You've changed' and then I think, 'I haven't, I never used to drink with ****ing strangers'. So now I just avoid the situation."

Fifty-year-old Gervais also spoke about his recent weight loss, rubbishing claims that it was down to a new 'LA Persona':

"I have got fit after running around Hampstead. I also have a gym in my house.

"It's nothing to do with Hollywood or looking good. I thought enough is enough. I need to look after myself. I don't want to die."

Ricky's new series, An Idiot Abroad: The Bucket List airs this month on Sky1 and sees Karl Pilkington being sent to undertake a list of challenges you should do before you die.

The series has already caused controversy over in the States, with rockers Van Halen trying to ban an episode in which Karl performs their hit, Jump, with a Glee-style chorus group.