Ricky Gervais ‘almost forgets it’s Christmas’ – but thanks to his thirty nieces and nephews never quite manages it
The Office star released festive single Don't Cry It's Christmas in August but prefers shunning Christmas parties because relatives want his cash
RICKY Gervais recently made his alter-ego David Brent's dream come true by releasing an album featuring a Christmas song.
But despite Life On The Road featuring festive single Don't Cry It's Christmas, the Reading-born funnyman has admitted he doesn't always know it's Christmas time at all.
The Office star, 55, is a proud atheist, but puts his Scrooge-like behaviour down to a busy schedule rather than a grudge against religious holidays.
: "I suppose, at this time of year. I mean, one day I say, 'Oh, is it Christmas today?' and I've almost forgotten.
"It's like a three-week lead-up when everything is about Christmas.
"But when you're self-employed, that doesn't hit you any more. So I miss that a little bit."
But Ricky's forgetfulness doesn't end there.
The comedian, who starred in a film version of his hit BBC Comedy The Office this year says he doesn't even remember the names of relatives who attend Christmas parties his longterm partner Jane Fallon, 55, throws annually.
He explained: "I've got loads of nieces and nephews and some of them have got kids now, so about 30 of them come over to me at Christmas — I don't even know all their names.
"They go through my pockets because they know I've got a bit of money — it's a bit of shtick that I do.
"The thing is, our best night out is a night in.
"We do a Christmas soirée every year, inviting 25 people round, but we'd rather be on the sofa.
"We're not anti social — well, we are a bit — but it's got to compete with a lot."
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