Ricky Gervais 'After Life' bench destroyed by vandals

A bench inspired by Ricky Gervais' After Life has been destroyed by vandals in Nottingham.

The show, which can be found on Netflix, is a dark comedy with features many scenes with Gervais sat on a bench talking about his grief.

As part of a scheme organised by Netflix, CALM and various local councils, 25 benches were donated across the UK to encourage people to talk about their mental health.

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Over the weekend, one of the benches in Nottingham was found destroyed.

Reacting to the incident, Nottingham City Council have released a statement: "The bench was donated to the park in January via the Ricky Gervais show After Life, and quickly became a special place for reflection for many people.

"Thank you to the kind person who retrieved pieces of the bench from around the park and got in touch with us to let us know what had happened."

The council also confirmed that they wished to replace the bench: "We really want to replace the bench and are working on how we could make it happen – watch this space!"

Gervais has previously said of the benches: "We hope the benches will create a lasting legacy for After Life, as well as become a place for people to visit, and we are thrilled to be associated with Calm and the great work they do."

Audra Wynter, who works as a portfolio holder for highways, transport and parks in Nottingham also praised the effect the bench had on the local community: "It's been a symbol of hope and support to many people off the back of the series, which shone a light on loss, bereavement and mental health."

All of the benches are inscribed with a quote from the show that reads "hope is everything".

The third and final series of After Life premiered in January earlier this year. The show also stars Penelope Wilton, David Bradley and Diane Morgan.

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