End of Merchant banking - comedian Stephen Merchant quits as voice of Barclays

 
9 July 2012
The Weekender

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Comedian Stephen Merchant has quit as the voice of Barclays ads because of “increasing commitments in the US”.

The star, 37, is believed to have ended his contract early after three years, sparking a series of legal letters between the two parties before a compromise was reached.

Best-known for comedy collaborations with Ricky Gervais including The Office, Merchant was criticised by some fans for fronting the troubled bank’s campaigns.

One blogger called on Merchant to cancel his contract with the bank following the rate-fixing scandal that saw chief executive Bob Diamond resign last week.

Internet spoofs of Merchant's Barclay's adverts have also appeared on the internet - with one video created by comedian Michael Spicer being viewed millions of times.

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