The 58-year-old actor and comedian, who recently released the second season of his dark comedy After Life on Netflix, was speaking on Australian radio.

Appearing on the Christian O’Connell show, Gervais said: “I never want anyone to complain about the NHS again, or nurses or doctors or anyone on the front line.

“We’ve got to remember we clapped for them and that should always be there.”

Ricky Gervais has paid tribute to NHS workers.

Asked about a fitting way to honour the frontline staff, Gervais added: “The New Year’s Honours list should not go to celebrities this year. It should go to those people.

“Give it to someone who gave a kidney to a stranger, not someone who invented a new type of mascara.

“I’ve seen people given a knighthood for services to fashion. What are you talking about, services to fashion?”

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Ricky Gervais insists New Year’s Honours should go to NHS staff not celebrities

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