CELEBRITIES have blasted a man who shot and killed a lion with a bow and arrow.

Walter Palmer has since admitted he regrets shooting the animal in Zimbabwe earlier this month.

The American dentist paid a fee to kill 13-year-old Cecil.

Comedian and animal rights campaigner Ricky Gervais led the criticism.

He said: "It's not for food. It's not the shooting, or tin cans would do.

"It must just be the thrill of killing. Mental."

Cecil, who was described as "friendly" who well known across Zimbabwe.

Model Candice Swanepoel branded the killing "disgusting" and Cara Delevingne added: "This Walter Palmer is a poor excuse of a human being."

Former X Factor judge Sharon Osbourne wrote on Twitter: "I hope that Walter Palmer loses his home, his practice and his money.

"He has already lost his soul."