![\"Ricky](\"https:\/\/www.newsbeep.com\/uk\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/03\/ricky-gervais.jpg\")
<\/p>\nRicky Gervais has declared he hopes to avoid television appearances and press interviews altogether as he attempts to build a direct relationship with fans online.<\/p>\n
The comedian shared the remarks in a candid Instagram video on Thursday while encouraging followers to subscribe to his growing YouTube channel.<\/p>\n
Mr Gervais explained that expanding his online audience would allow him to promote projects directly to viewers rather than appearing on television programmes.<\/p>\n
\u201cThe reason I want to build up a following and subscribe on YouTube is so I never have to do another press interview or go on telly and have to put on trousers to promote my stuff,\u201d he said.<\/p>\n
Ricky Gervais has declared he hopes to avoid television appearances<\/p>\n
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The After Life creator suggested speaking directly to fans online felt more natural than traditional publicity appearances.<\/p>\n
\u201cThat\u2019s the idea. So I can come here for a chat. I can answer your questions\u2026 I want to deal directly with you,\u201d he told followers.<\/p>\n
Mr Gervais also joked about struggling to read comments during a recent livestream, admitting he may finally need glasses.<\/p>\n
\u201cI should wear glasses. Even if I try on other people\u2019s glasses, they make my sight slightly better,\u201d he quipped.<\/p>\n
![\"Ricky](\"https:\/\/www.newsbeep.com\/uk\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/03\/ricky-gervais.png\")
The comedian said he hopes he never has to do another press interview or go on telly or put on trousers to promote his stuff<\/p>\n
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INSTAGRAM<\/p>\n
The comedian then launched into a rant about how artificial intelligence is being used on social media, saying he was already frustrated by fake clips circulating online.<\/p>\n
\u201cI\u2019m sick of AI already. Well, not AI \u2014 I\u2019m sick of the witless t***s who tweet these s****y little fake things like a fake bit of war or a fake mugging,\u201d he said.<\/p>\n
Mr Gervais also used the video to promote his current stand-up warm-up shows, which he is performing in smaller venues ahead of a larger tour.<\/p>\n
He said audiences attending the intimate gigs get to see new material being tested live.<\/p>\n
![\"Ricky](\"https:\/\/www.newsbeep.com\/uk\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/03\/1773401889_40_ricky-gervais-and-jane-fallon.jpg\")
\u201cI\u2019m doing warm ups at the moment\u2026 mainly Leicester Square Theatre, 400 seats, \u00a317,\u201d he explained.<\/p>\n
\u201cIt\u2019s my favourite bit\u2026 you get to see me scrambling around, failing in real time.\u201d<\/p>\n
The comedian ended the video by thanking fans for following him and encouraging them to subscribe to his YouTube channel as he continues building his online presence.<\/p>\n
Fans of the comedian were quick to share their reactions in the comments section of the video.<\/p>\n
\u201cI feel like I\u2019m FaceTiming my dad\u2026 love it Rick\u2026 don\u2019t think you\u2019ll have any trouble growing your YT subs,\u201d one fan wrote, while another penned: \u201cConsider it done!\u201d<\/p>\n
A third viewer joked about finding comfort in the comedian\u2019s posts.<\/p>\n
\u201cYou bring me joy, which I desperately need living in the hellscape formerly known as The United States of America,\u201d they said.<\/p>\n
However, some fans admitted they would be disappointed if Mr Gervais stopped appearing on television altogether.<\/p>\n
![\"Ricky](\"https:\/\/www.newsbeep.com\/uk\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/03\/1773401890_618_ricky-gervais-and-jane-fallon.jpg\")
Ricky Gervais and Jane Fallon in 2004<\/p>\n
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GETTY<\/p>\n
\u201cI love when you do interviews though. You on Graham Norton is always the best!\u201d one viewer wrote.<\/p>\n