A BENCH donated by Ricky Gervais to his local park has been vandalised with a special plaque stolen.
The plate on the seat was inscribed with the words "Hope is Everything" to commemorate the funnyman's award-winning Netflix comedy series After Life which focused on mental health.
But the plaque was found to be missing from the bench in Hampstead Heath, near the north London home of Ricky on Sunday.
It has left local residents saddened that someone has deliberately targeted the bench despite what it represents.
In order to support mental health causes, the charity Campaign Against Living Miserably (CALM) partnered with Netflix to put 25 benches in parks across the country last year – each with a QR code linking to CALM's resources.
It was hoped that the projects could help people who were experiencing difficulties with their mental health and offer them support and resources they might have previously been unaware of.
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One resident who lived locally to the famous bench hit out after discovering it had been vandalised.
Writer Zoe Margolis said: "I think it's really sad the bench has been vandalised in this way, because it undermines the message of compassion and care.
"Seeing the show's motto 'Hope is Everything' carved into the bench must surely offer those who sit there a moment of peace in these troubled times – a chance to gather their thoughts or share them with other people.
"I do hope the plaque will be reinstated and that the bench continues to offer respite for those who need it."
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Ricky, who lives in Hampstead, said at the time the benches were unveiled said he hoped the project would "create a lasting legacy" for After Life.
In the series, he plays writer Tony Johnson whose life is turned upside down when his wife dies from breast cancer.
A bench in the graveyard where Tony meets with his "graveside confidante" Anne, played by Penelope Wilton, forms a pivotal part of the show.
The City of London Corporation, which is responsible for the upkeep of Hampstead Heath, has cleaned up the vandalism.
A spokesperson for the Corporation said: "Vandalism is completely unacceptable on Hampstead Heath, and we have acted quickly to replace the plaque."
After Life has received critical acclaim since it made its debut on the streaming service in 2019.
Airing for three series, the last aired in early 2022.
The show won the award for Best Comedy at 2022's National Television Awards.
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