Ricky Gervais has compared Donald Trump to David Brent.

Ricky Gervais

Ricky Gervais

The 55-year-old star believes the US Presidential hopeful has a number of similarities with the buffoonish, self-involved office manager he created for 'The Office' TV show and who makes a return in upcoming movie 'David Brent: Life on the Road'.

Speaking to The Sun, he said: "Trump has more in common with David Brent than he does with JFK. He is not a politician. He's an entertainer.

"He's a man who is at the moment taking part in the biggest reality show of all time, starring himself."

Ricky also blasted reality TV, insisting that it is only set up so viewers can laugh at the failure of contestants.

He said: "People do anything for fame, to stay on the telly.

"They go into 'Big Brother' and say 'I want to change the public's perception of me' and I'm shouting, 'Why?' F**k the public. They want you to fail again. That's what's funny for them.

"And Brent's been sold that lie. He thinks fame will sort everything out. But he's getting it all wrong."

Ricky has been accused of offending travellers and mocking the memory of Princess Diana in songs from the movie, which sees Brent attempt to become a music star, but Ricky insisted people have misunderstood him.

He said: "There is a danger that everything will be misinterpreted.

"But someone misunderstanding my joke and using it inappropriately isn't my responsibility."