Ricky Gervais announces career move that 'will make him millions'

29 November 2023 , 10:38

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Ricky Gervais announces career move that 'will make him millions'

Ricky Gervais has made a surprising career move that could "cause liver damage" but may also earn him "hundreds of millions."

The English comedian shared with his fans that he's now the co-owner of a vodka company in York called Ellers Farm Distillery, which is one of the largest distilleries in the country.

In an Instagram video posted on Tuesday, the 62-year-old said he was "thrilled" to have joined the team before urging his fans to support the product. "We make Dutch Barn Vodka. It tastes great, it's made from British apples, we're committed to sustainability, and the protection of the ecosystem and the best bit is this could literally make me hundreds of millions, so please buy it, yeah? Sure like all strong liquor it may damage your liver and your wellbeing, but think how happy it will make me... and the saving the planet thing."

Ricky, who confirmed in 2022 he's vegan after years of being a vegetarian, has also ensured that any business he invests in aligns with his values as a passionate environmentalist.

Ricky has warned his new business venture could cause liver damage (NBCU Photo Bank/NBCUniversal via Getty Images)

"I'd been looking to invest in eco-friendly businesses for a while and as soon as I found Dutch Barn I wanted in! I love the planet and I love a drink so it was the perfect combination," he explained. "On a serious note, Dutch Barn really is a quality product. I love the fact that it's done differently and I can't wait to let everyone know about it." Ricky has spoken about his relationship with alcohol in the past, joking in 2017, "I was sober for 18 years – the first 18 years of my life." It's been reported this quip was followed by a confession that he's been "drunk every day since" but The Office star has since clarified this isn't the case.

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Ricky admitted that he did drink a lot during the COVID-19 pandemic, however, telling American chat show host Jimmy Fallon that his house had been well-stocked with liquor throughout lockdown. .

"I didn't go out a lot, and there's always enough booze in the house for a nuclear winter. You won't hear me complain," he said. "Not when, every day, I see some millionaire celebrity going, 'I'm sad that I'm not on telly tonight.' Or, 'I had a swim in the pool that made me feel a little bit better.'"

Ricky's brutally honest video to announce his vodka went down a treat with his Instagram followers, many of whom confirmed it'd convinced them to try the product. "What a pitch. Sold," one person wrote, while another said, "Truth in advertising!!! I am now a customer."

The actor, who is estimated to be worth £125m, comes just a few days after the premiere of his new comedy live special Armageddon on Netflix.

Emma Dooney