Ricky offered the chance to be the first stand-up in space

A bunch of billionaires clubbed together to launch Ricky Gervais into space.

The After Life creator says he was offered the chance to be the first comedian to perform stand-up in space once sub-orbital travel becomes a reality.

Talking to Jimmy Fallon on his US TV show, Gervais said:  ‘I was offered one of these things where you go up into space for 15 minutes and it was like a group of billionaires and they offered me the chance to be the first comedian to do a stand up show in space. I went no, I am not going to risk it.

He also suggested a stand-up gig was the last thing space tourists would want.

‘These people have paid $300,000 to go into space and have a look around. And then they go there and it’s Ricky Gervais doing 10 minutes. They can watch me on YouTube,’ he said. ‘And now they have blown $300,000? Look out the window!’

As the old gag goes: that’s the problem with gigs in space - no atmosphere.

Published: 11 Jan 2021