Real reason Bottom star dressed up as Hitler in blow to UK government

In 1991, BBC’s hit sitcom Bottom premiered and introduced Rik Mayall as the delusional Richard “Richie” Richard. He starred on the series for three seasons alongside his co-star Adrian Edmondson, who portrayed his character’s menacing housemate, Edward "Eddie" Elizabeth Hitler.

The series gained a strong cult following, and after its end in 1995, the pair took Bottom to the stage with a successful national tour, which landed them both in hospital at various points. However, away from his acting career, Mayall was also renowned for his bold political views, which saw him make controversial decisions against the UK Government. In 2002, he shocked fans by dressing up as Adolf Hitler for an advert that opposed the United Kingdom abolishing the pound sterling in favour of the euro.

In the star-studded commercial, Mayall was dressed as Hitler and said: “Ein Volk, ein Reich, ein euro,” which translates to “one people, one realm, one euro.

Which was in a reference to the Nazi slogan: "Ein Volk, ein Reich, ein Fuehrer,” the comedian then reappeared and in English, lambasted: “Euro? Oh yes, please.”

He was criticised by politicians, the European Union and Jewish groups who claimed his appearance in the advert was “anti-Semitic.”

Mayall hit back at the negative response and denied being anti-Semitic by pointing out that his wife Barbara is Jewish: "So my children are Jewish, too, as the Jewish race goes through the mother's line.

“And I suppose that if the SS were to march in, I'd be in the concentration camp, too, for collaboration simply for marrying Barbara.”

In the 2002 interview with The Sunday Times, the comedian explained his reasons for starring in the advertisement, while insisting it was satire.

Mayall said: “Actually, I only did it because I'd always wanted to play Hitler. It's satire. Look, I’m saying what I say because if Hitler tells people to support the euro, then surely they won't. That's the point of it.”

The actor's death was announced in June 2014, after Mayall died at his home in London, following a sudden heart attack after a morning jog, at the age of 56.

Many famous faces attended his funeral to pay their respects, including Edmondson, Dawn French, Jennifer Saunders, Peter Richardson, Alan Rickman, Nigel Planer, and Alexei Sayle.