Ricky Gervais' sausage fear

Ricky Gervais lost weight because he feared he would have a heart attack because he ate too many sausages.

Ricky Gervais was terrified he would be killed by a sausage.

The British comedian - who has become best known for his acerbic put-downs when presenting the Golden Globes - decided to lose weight a few years ago because he was scared one too many of the meaty treats might lead him to have a heart attack.

He said: "It wasn't a vanity kick. It was a health kick. I'll tell you, the truth was it was Christmas. I was 48 a couple of Christmases ago. And I had 11 sausages. And I sat there feeling ill. The number of times I've said, 'I'm having a heart attack. I'm having a heart attack.'

"And I thought, 'You know what? Life is good. And I don't want to blow it. I don't want to go.' "

However, Ricky admits he still eats too much and needs to go to the gym regularly to keep his new trim physique.

Speaking on 'Piers Morgan Tonight', he added: "I've done it by working out. I still eat too much. I still drink too much. But the next day, I punish myself in the gym. I work out like Rocky. And then I feel great. You know, it makes you feel better."