Gervais: 'Weight has helped my career'

Ricky Gervais has claimed that being overweight has helped his career.

The comedian, who has scored huge successes with TV shows The Office and Extras, said he has no desire for a trimmer physique because his appearance means he can play character roles.

He said: "Being in the public eye hasn't made me more conscious of my appearance - I'd lose roles if I lost weight.

"I'm never going to be an action hero or the romantic lead but then I can be the slightly fat English one with the funny teeth."

However, the 46-year-old recently revealed that he has started working out to make up for eating and drinking too much, saying: "I do it so I can live longer and eat more cheese."