Vic Reeves TV ads dropped by Churchill following drink drive charge

by Joe Lepper, Brand Republic 29-Mar-05, 11:00

LONDON - Churchill Insurance has axed its TV advertising featuring Vic Reeves after the comedian was charged with drink driving and leaving the scene of an accident.

Following an incident on Good Friday, allegedly involving Reeves, car insurance giant Churchill has confirmed it is withdrawing the latest TV ad featuring the comedian's voiceover.

A spokeswoman said:"We are extremely concerned to hear of the events involving Vic Reeves -- we understand that the police are dealing with the investigation.

"We take all road safety issues seriously and, in view of this, we will be withdrawing our one TV advertisement featuring Vic Reeves while we fully review the situation."

The spokeswoman stressed that Reeves is not the voice of the brand's nodding dog character, which is played by Bob Mortimer. "He [Reeves] is the voice that questions the dog," the spokeswoman added.

An insider told The Sun it is doubtful Churchill will use Reeves, who appeared alongside his wife Nancy Sorrell in the last series of ITV's 'I'm a Celebrity... Get Me Out of Here!', again for advertising. Reeves is due to appear before Maidstone magistrates on April 7.

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