CONSIDERED one of the most influential British comedians since Charlie Chaplin, Ricky Gervais is returning to the stage with his first stand-up tour in seven years.

His stand up show in 2007 ‘Fame’ became the fastest selling UK stand-up show in history with 100,000 tickets for his London shows snapped up in nine minutes.

Now he is back with his new tour Humanity which includes the BIC on March 22 - one of the first few dates to be revealed as part of his year long world tour.

The award-winning funnyman said: “Thousands of people paying hard earned cash to come and see you live is such a privilege.

"You'd better have something different, interesting and funny to say. Humanity is my angriest, most honest and I think my best tour yet. It’s probably my most personal too. I feel I may as well tell you everything before I die. Hope you enjoy it. Or not. There are no refunds. Just like life, I guess."

It's been a busy year for Gervais who will also be in Bournemouth later this month as his comedy creation David Brent and Brent's band Foregone Conclusion.

The star has seen his David Brent: Life on the Road released as a DVD and album as well as the publication of the David Brent Songbook.

The creator and star of The Office, Extras and Derek, has won three Golden Globes, two Primetime Emmy Awards and seven BAFTA’s.

His hit series The Office is the most successful British comedy of all time, shown in more than 90 countries with seven remakes.

(Gervais received the Charlie Chaplin Britannia Award for Excellence in Comedy 2016 BAFTA/LA)

Tickets for Humanity are now on sale, call BIC 0844 576 3000.