Evans rejects £600k ad deal

Lee Evans has turned down a £600,000 deal to advertise crisps.

He said: "I know it sounds big-headed, but we really didn't need the money.

"I didn't want to sell their product, so I didn't do it, that simple. Maybe next year I'll feel differently."

The 37-year-old comic has always been uneasy with his success and the money it brings, and famously pays himself just £50 'pocket money' a week.

He told Scotland's Daily Record: "To be honest, I still feel uncomfortable about success and the money that goes with it.

"I wouldn't be happy cruising around in a Rolls-Royce or sitting in a villa in Barbados sipping champagne. I'd be pretending to be somebody I wasn't."

But he admitted: "I am still jealous of people who are brighter than me and, let's face it, that's a lot of people. "

Evans was talking to promote his new big screen comedy-drama The Martins, which is released on Friday.

Published: 12 Sep 2001