Ricky Gervais trying to 'be more positive' amid coronavirus outbreak

Ricky Gervais is known for his acerbic, sneering wit and tendency to make jokes at the expense of pretty much anything - but the comedian has revealed he know feels ‘a social responsibility to be more positive’ as the the world is caught up in the grip of the coronavirus.

Gervais was interview by GQ magazine recently to promote the second series of his Netflix show After Life.

He said of the current health crisis engulfing the globe: “I sort of feel a social responsibility. I do feel that more.”

Read more: Ricky Gervais will never bring back The Office as 'David Brent over 60 is too sad’

He added: “Like, I want to do stuff. I’m tweeting more. I’m being more positive. I want to be… I mean, I’m not going to be the Vera Lynn.

“I think I feel like I want to do something to help as opposed to just sneer.”

As well as using his social media accounts to promote the upcoming second series of After Life, the 58-year-old has also regularly been using Twitter Live to communicate with his 14 million followers.

Latest coronavirus news, updates and advice

Live: Follow all the latest updates from the UK and around the world

Fact-checker: The number of COVID-19 cases in your local area

Explained: Symptoms, latest advice and how it compares to the flu

He also revealed he is not struggling with lockdown as he is “always stocked up on booze” and he “never saw friends anyway”.

The Office star has been a vocal supporter of NHS workers during the pandemic, and recently slammed celebrities complaining about lockdown from luxury homes.

Read more: Stephen Merchant cites his and Ricky Gervais' 'arrogance' as key to success of The Office

Speaking to The Sun, he said of NHS staff: “These people are doing 14-hour shifts and not complaining. Wearing masks, and being left with sores, after risking their own health and their families’ health selflessly.

"But then I see someone complaining about being in a mansion with a swimming pool. And, you know, honestly, I just don’t want to hear it."

After Life series two will be available to stream on Netflix from 24 April.