Gervais turned down bitter ads

Ricky Gervais was offered the beer ads that made Peter Kay famous - but turned them down because he didn't need the cash.

The Office star also said he didn't want the extra exposeure the John Smith's campaign would have bought, as he feared fans would get bored of him.

Gervais told The Mirror: "I'd get sick of the sight of me, and I think I'm brilliant.

"I've had millions of adverts offered to me, including the one Peter Kay did. It was six figures. The money is totally ridiculous, but who needs three houses?

"I earn more cash than I ever dreamed of. But with this much money it's pretty hard to fritter it away, especially when your habits are the odd pint with your friends and takeaway pizza."

Kay's latest advert, also featuring crooner Englebert Humperdinck, was unveiled last week.

Published: 4 Feb 2004