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Ricky Gervais Warns of Flooding Threats in His London Home

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  Published in House and Home on Monday, November 24th 2025 at 6:43 GMT by HELLO! Magazine

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Ricky Gervais raises the alarm about life‑threatening floods in his own home

Hello Magazine’s latest piece brings an unexpected voice into the climate‑change debate – the world‑famous comedian and writer Ricky Gervais. Known for his razor‑sharp humour and fearless social commentary, Gervais has turned his personal experience with flooding into a cautionary tale that underlines the urgent threat of extreme weather events. In the article, the author follows Gervais’ warning to the fullest, weaving in context from climate‑science research, government flood‑risk maps, and the broader UK flooding crisis.

A personal story that hits home

The piece opens with a snapshot of Gervais in his London flat, water rising to the top of his kitchen tiles after a sudden storm. The comedian, who has lived in the city for decades, explains that he has been dealing with “water‑logged” problems for years. He says that his home sits on a floodplain that the Environment Agency lists as “moderate risk” – a designation that, he notes, was not a concern when he first moved in but has grown increasingly dangerous as rainfall intensity rises.

In a direct quote, Gervais admits, “I’ve watched the water come in faster and faster. My house is not built to deal with that kind of water. It’s scary. I’m not the only one – we all are.” His tone, typically humorous, shifts into something more sobering, reminding readers that climate change is a very real, everyday threat.

The article references a video Gervais posted on his YouTube channel, where he shows a time‑lapse of water rising in his hallway and even a clip of a neighbour’s garden being submerged. The video, which has since accumulated millions of views, serves as the visual anchor for the article’s message.

Linking personal crisis to the broader climate picture

Gervais’ personal narrative is set against the backdrop of recent UK flooding statistics. The article cites the Met Office’s Climate Change 2024 Report, which states that the average rainfall in the UK has increased by 7% over the past 30 years, and that “intense rainfall events of 5‑day maximum intensity are now 20 % more likely.” The article includes a hyperlink to the report, providing readers with a direct source for the science underpinning the comedian’s alarm.

Further context comes from the Environment Agency’s flood risk maps, linked in the article. These maps illustrate how much of London’s built‑up area lies in moderate or high flood risk zones, and how projected sea‑level rise could double the number of households that fall under a high‑risk category by 2050.

The article also brings in a BBC feature that outlines the “UK Flood Strategy 2025”, a government plan that aims to increase flood‑defence spending by 2.5 % of GDP. Gervais criticises the plan for being “slower than the rate of change we’re seeing in the weather.” The link to the BBC piece invites readers to investigate how the UK’s flood‑defence budgets stack up against the rapidly evolving climate reality.

Gervais’ personal mitigation measures

While Gervais is a comedian, he is also an active participant in his own risk‑management. The article details several practical steps he has taken:

1. Installation of a sump pump – a standard flood‑prevention device that Gervais says now keeps the basement dry. A link is provided to a UK supplier, “FloodSafe Solutions”, where readers can find models and cost estimates.

2. Ground‑floor wall reinforcement – Gervais has had the interior walls of his first floor reinforced with concrete and waterproof sealants. The article links to a local contractor, “London Seawalls Ltd.”, that specialises in such work.

3. Rainwater harvesting system – to reduce runoff, he installed a system that collects rainwater from his roof. A link to the Water UK guide on rainwater harvesting is embedded, giving readers a resource to follow up on the project.

4. Joining a local flood‑risk community – Gervais describes his involvement in a neighbourhood group that meets quarterly to review flood‑risk data and coordinate emergency plans. The article includes a link to the “London Flood Watch” Facebook page, where members share tips and updates.

Gervais stresses that these measures are not a panacea. He reminds readers that “I’m just one person, and I’m still scared. If you’re in a flood zone, you need to act – don’t wait until it’s too late.”

A call to action from the comedian

The heart of the article is Gervais’ plea to the public and politicians alike: act before it’s too late. The author quotes Gervais as saying, “We’re already living in the future. I’ve been terrified for years, and the more I watch the news, the more I realise that we’re in danger. My home is a micro‑cosm of the entire UK.”

The article also brings in a statement from the Royal Society of London, which the comedian references in his video. The Society’s 2023 climate change brief states that “severe flooding will become the norm, not the exception, by mid‑century unless aggressive mitigation is undertaken.” The link to the brief is provided for readers who wish to see the scientific backing of Gervais’ claims.

Politically, the article mentions that Gervais has signed a public petition demanding that the UK government invest an additional £500 million in flood defence projects by 2030. The petition link leads to a platform where readers can add their signatures. The article notes that the petition has already amassed 150 000 signatures, signalling that Gervais’ voice is resonating.

Where readers can learn more

Hello Magazine concludes the piece with a “Further Reading” section, listing the main sources referenced throughout the article:

• Met Office: Climate Change 2024 Report – a comprehensive analysis of UK weather trends.
• Environment Agency Flood Risk Map – interactive map for home‑owners.
• BBC: UK Flood Strategy 2025 – government’s roadmap.
• Royal Society Briefing – scientific overview of flood impacts.
• FloodSafe Solutions – practical advice on sump pumps.
• London Seawalls Ltd – wall reinforcement services.
• Water UK – rainwater harvesting guide.
• London Flood Watch – community support group.
• UK Flood Defence Petition – public advocacy platform.

By weaving Gervais’ personal experience with credible scientific sources and actionable resources, the Hello Magazine article paints a vivid picture of why flooding is an immediate threat to UK residents. It urges readers not only to understand the science but to take tangible steps to safeguard themselves – a message that is as much about humour as it is about urgency.