Ricky Gervais opens up on fears about dying as he eyes up major castle renovation

Ricky Gervais has revealed he wants to renovate a castle – but it could kill him.

The legendary comedian believes, however, that indulging in his favourite tipple might lead to a deadly end at the hands (or jaws) of these fearsome reptiles. During a candid Q&A session with fans on social media, Gervais was quizzed about any unfulfilled dreams he might have after notching up an enviable list of life achievements.

Living it up in a £15m Hampstead abode with his other half Jane, Ricky mused: "Most people mean work with Meryl Streep or summat, but I do what I want career-wise. First I think I'd like to build an animal sanctuary somewhere or do up a castle." Ever the joker, the Office creator had more to add: "Get a castle and put it back to its original glory... with air conditioning, plumbing, central heating, double glazing."

At 63, the 'After Lifes' mastermind still fancies that fortress life, complete with moat not just for the looks, but stocked with seriously snappy pets. "I like the moat, I'd keep the moat," he quipped. And living in such a grandiose setting comes with the fantasies of drawbridges and, crocodiles. "I'd love to live in a castle with a drawbridge and a moat. Stick some f*****g crocodiles in the moat! Come home p****d, forget the drawbridge, duff, dead! " joked Ricky. His admission comes after he lost a dispute over his flood-hit mansion.

Gervais had submitted plans to replace his existing three-bedroom property, which is located next to the River Thames in London and has been flooded at least five times since 1947, with a new four-bedroom, neo-classical home worth £5 million. However, the Royal Borough of Windsor and Maidenhead refused to grant permission for his project last month. It was reported that officials rejected the comedian's application on the grounds that it did not comply with local and national planning guidelines. Ricky reportedly included CCTV images in his planning application showing how the main entrance of his current riverside home, as well as his garage and back garden, were submerged underwater earlier this year. He had hoped to build a house on the site that would have featured an open-plan kitchen and a dining area with views of the Thames.

Ricky, known for his ruthless humour has also opened up about potentially taking a career break. Currently, Ricky hasn't taken an extended period of time off work in almost three decades. In a candid online Q&A session earlier this year, when asked if he could switch off from work for a week, he admitted, "No." He revealed, "I don't think we've had a proper vacation you know a week somewhere, walk and sit on a beach for 30-odd years."

During the virtual conversation, he also shared, "I don't think I'd do it now," and "I don't think I would like it. I can't do one of those where you just sit around the pool for a week." Ricky went on to say, "I'd like a couple of days off," and elaborated, "I like when I do a gig and have like 40 hours off. That's nice."

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