Reading-born comedian Ricky Gervais has taken a playful swipe at Jeremy Clarkson during a recent online exchange with former Top Gear co-host James May.
Gervais, who grew up in Whitley, remains one of Britain’s most recognisable comedy figures thanks to his legendary portrayal of David Brent in The Office, which was famously filmed in nearby Slough. Over the decades, he has built a global following through his collaborations with Stephen Merchant and Karl Pilkington on projects like An Idiot Abroad, along with a long list of stand-up specials and film roles.
Last year, Gervais revealed that he had become a co-owner of Dutch Barn, a North Yorkshire distillery known for producing spirits made exclusively from homegrown ingredients. Since then, he has frequently promoted the brand on social media, often with his signature dry humour.
In his latest post on X, the 64-year-old encouraged fans to celebrate what he jokingly described as “the long-awaited return to common sense and reason” by treating themselves to Dutch Barn Vodka. He added, “It also helps donkeys. And they never hurt anyone,” a line that prompted a humorous response from James May.
May, who now runs his own gin brand, James Gin, replied that while he also loves donkeys, he once had a traumatic encounter with one. “One of them bit me on the arm when I was eight years old,” he wrote. “And it hurt like a b*****d. But you do you. James Gin.”
Spotting the perfect opening for a cheeky jab, Gervais fired back with a dig aimed at May’s former co-presenter, Jeremy Clarkson. “Maybe it was hungry,” he quipped, before adding: “Clarkson actually punched someone in the face when he was peckish. Ricky Vodka.”
Gervais was referencing the infamous 2015 incident in which Clarkson struck Top Gear producer Oisin Tymon after reportedly becoming frustrated over the lack of hot food at the end of a long filming day. The altercation ultimately led to Clarkson’s dismissal from the BBC and marked one of the most dramatic moments in modern British television history.
