Gervais' team have ordered a full security review ahead of his UK tour Armageddon, which starts on Wednesday in Cardiff, according to The Sun.

The 61-year-old comedian co-created hit television shows such as The Office and After Life.

A source told the paper the star has been "made aware threats have been made to his life", including "disturbing letters".

"Ricky is very aware of the dangers and he can afford whatever security he wants, so he thought it was a no-brainer," they added.

The paper reports that it was understood at least one threat referred to comments in his Netflix special SuperNature that were slammed by LGBTQ+ activists for being "anti-trans".

His hour-long routine includes a series of jokes about gender identity and the gay community, which prompted GLAAD, a US LGBT rights group, to call the show "dangerous".

Gervais defended the programme, saying he wanted to take the "audience to a place it hasn't been before".

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Sky News has contacted Gervais' representatives for comment.

The Armageddon tour will take in cities across the UK including London and Bristol.

Earlier this year, Gervais said on Twitter that Armageddon will stream on Netflix from next year.

Last year, comedian Dave Chappelle was "tackled" by a man who was carrying a replica gun containing a knife blade during a stand-up Netflix show in Los Angeles.