Following recent murder threats, Ricky Gervais is reportedly stepping up his security ahead of his upcoming UK tour.
The 61-year-old British comedian and TV writer has established a name for himself in the world of stand-up comedy by using contentious and politically incorrect jokes and routines.
The creator of The Office and After Life recently toured the United States and was advised to dramatically increase his security detail due to threats of being shot.
It is also likely that the on-stage attack on veteran comedian Dave Chappelle, when he was accosted by a man holding a handgun, has resulted in his decision.
Chappelle, 49, was attacked during a live performance at the Hollywood Bowl in Los Angeles by Isaiah Lee, who was sentenced to 270 days in prison.
Earlier this month, Gervais celebrated an upcoming Australian remake of The Office for being the first to feature a woman as its lead character.
After the success of the British version, remakes were commissioned in Finland, Greece, Saudi Arabia, and, most famously, the United States.
‘I’m very excited about Australia remaking my little show from the turn of the century,’ Gervais said of the show which will star Aussie comic Felicity Ward.
He continued: ‘Office politics have changed a bit in 20 years, so can’t wait to see how they navigate a modern-day David Brent.’