A READING-born comedian has made history after earning £1.41 million for a single stand-up performance.

Ricky Gervais, a comedian, actor, writer and director known for shows such as The Office, Derek and After Life, earned the record-breaking sum after a show in in Los Angeles' Hollywood Bowl on May 6 as part of his Armageddon tour.

The 61-year-old joked he should ‘retire now’ after setting the world record for the highest-grossing single gig by a British stand-up comedian.

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Writing on Twitter, he said: "A career highlight. I should retire now. Thanks to everyone who bought a ticket."

The comedian was brought up in Whitley where he was educated before attending University College London.