Ricky Gervais' honest explanation for refusing to marry 'soulmate' or have kids

08 December 2023 , 20:00

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Ricky Gervais has been with Jane since they met at university in the 1980s

For almost four decades, Ricky Gervais has been in a relationship with his 'soulmate' Jane Fallon, with the pair deciding to eschew marriage and parenthood in favour of their own shared path in life.

Best known for his observational comedy and various successful sitcoms, Ricky has previously drawn inspiration from his love for Jane when penning his hit Netflix series After Life. The series, which left many viewers in floods of tears, follows widowed reporter Tony (Gervais) as he grieves the loss of his wife Lisa (Kerry Godliman). Initially overwhelmed by the anger he feels at the world, Tony eventually finds meaning in helping others, despite his pain.

According to Ricky, the premise of the show was based on his own relationship with Jane, and he's previously admitted that he hopes she outlives him. Speaking to Alex Jones on BBC1's The One Show, Ricky revealed: "The first thought I had was what if you lost everything? You could do what you want and it would have no consequences. I had to think, 'Well what is losing everything?' and to me it's your soulmate, your life partner. So that's where it came from."

How did Ricky Gervais meet Jane Fallon?

Ricky Gervais and Jane Fallon have been together for nearly four decades

Reading-born Ricky, 62, first met author Jane, also 62, more than 40 years ago, back when they were students at University College London. Soon after graduation, Jane landed a job as a producer on BBC's EastEnders from 1985 to 1994, while Ricky's start in television came later following a brief stint managing the pop band Suede.

In the early days of their relationship, the couple lived in a flat in Kings Cross at a time when the area was notorious for its street crime and drug dealers.

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Are Ricky Gervais and Jane Fallon married?

Ricky's show After Life is based on his relationship with his partner and how he'd feel losing her (NETFLIX)

Despite the length of their romance, both Ricky and Jane have always asserted that they will never get married, with staunch atheist Ricky arguing that he doesn't feel the need to tie the knot. Ricky revealed to The Times: "We are married for all intents and purposes, everything's shared and actually our fake marriage has lasted longer than a real one. But there's no point in us having an actual ceremony before the eyes of God because there is no God."

Similarly, the duo have also ruled out children in their lives. The comedian explained the decision to the Daily Telegraph: "One good reason I don't want [kids] is that I don't think I'd sleep at night." He further explained: "I had to check twice that I hadn't left the doors to the pool open because I was worried the cat would go through them and drown. So with a child, I'd just be stood over it, making sure it was still breathing."

Back in 2019, Ricky confessed that he couldn't live without Jane and that would be 'devastated' if they weren't together. During an interview on the LIVE With Kelly And Ryan show, he said: "I would fall apart without her. I mean, emotionally first." Later, he also shared that he hoped to die before Jane, stating: "I want to go first, which is selfish but I do."

Malvika Padin