Gervais begs Obama for Paris, Posh swap

Ricky Gervais has asked Barack Obama to help him "exchange" Paris Hilton for Victoria Beckham.

Writing an open letter to the US President about Hilton's decision to buy a house in North London, Gervais proposed sending Hilton back to Beverly Hills in return for Beckham.

Gervais wrote on his website: "One of your flock has strayed... it has come to my attention that she has bought a house in North London a few miles from me, and is out and about ingratiating herself with the Great British public.

"Mr. President. We are not stupid. This is clearly a retaliatory strike for Posh Spice moving to LA. I know it, and you know it, so let's cut the 'it's a free country' nonsense and come to some agreement."

The Office and Extras creator suggested completing the switch at a New York "paparazzi nest".

"The thought of that many photographers in one place will be irresistible," he added. "Once we get them there, while they are having their photos taken... we will swap their limos around. It's fool proof."