Gervais turned down 'Da Vinci Code' part

Ricky Gervais has revealed that he turned down a part in The Da Vinci Code over fears of ruining the movie.

"I was offered the part of the butler," the comedian told the Daily Mirror. "I told director Ron Howard 'I will ruin your film. The number of times I've sat down for a great film by a great director and a British actor pops up and ruins it for me - I don't want to be that bloke'."

Another project he turned down – but for different reasons – was a £2 million appearance in an American alcohol advert. He commented on the choice: "I'm more concerned about the legacy and looking back in 20 years."