Netflix's After Life bench in Hampstead Heath vandalised

The bench at the Heath is inscribed with the words ‘hope is everything’ to commemorate Ricky Gervais’ Netflix series After Life, a comedy with a focal theme of mental health.

To mark the series last year, mental health charity Campaign Against Living Miserably (CALM) partnered with Netflix to put 25 benches in parks across the country – each with a QR code linking to CALM’s resources.

However Zoe Margolis, a local writer who says she always choses to sit at the bench when visiting the Heath, described her shock after finding the plaque was missing on Sunday (October 15).

A QR Code plaque remains, but the plaque with Netflix branding and Ricky Gervais' name has been stolen (Image: Zoe Margolis)

She said: “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 think it’s really sad the bench has been vandalised in this way, because it undermines the message of compassion and care. I do hope the plaque will be reinstated and that the bench continues to offer respite for those who need it.”

The plaque has the Netflix branding, reading 'After Life 2019 - [BLANK]. This bench is donated by Netflix to commemorate Ricky Gervais' After Life' (Image: Zoe Margolis)

According to the City of London Corporation, it has acted quickly to remedy the act of vandalism.

Mr Gervais, who lives in Hampstead, said at the time of the benches launching that he hopes it will “create a lasting legacy” for After Life.

The vandalised bench (Image: Zoe Margolis)

In the show, Mr Gervais plays newspaper writer Tony Johnson whose life is turned upside down after his wife dies from breast cancer.

A bench in the graveyard where Tony meets with his "graveside confidante" Anne (Penelope Wilton) plays a pivotal part in the show.

Ricky Gervais teamed up with Netflix and CALM to support people grieving (Image: Netflix)

CALM said the bench project is to "help people have those conversations and to show it’s normal to have those feelings".

The charity said: "We know talking to someone you trust really can help.

"Opening up to your mates or family is not an easy thing to do. But starting that conversation can be the start of getting the support you need.

"By helping them better understand and support you, you’re giving yourself – and them – the best chance of doing that."

A spokesperson for the City of London Corporation, which manages Hampstead Heath as a registered charity, said: “Vandalism is completely unacceptable on Hampstead Heath, and we have acted quickly to replace the plaque.”