'There won't be a four': Ricky Gervais confirms series three of hit Netflix sitcom After Life will be the last
Ricky Gervais has revealed the third series of After Life will be the last of the hit Netflix sitcom.
The comedian, 59, delighted fans on Friday when he revealed he had penned a draft for the first episode of the new series.
Two series of the dark comedy have been released so far, both to widespread acclaim from critics and viewers.
Wrapping up: Ricky Gervais has revealed the third series of After Life will be the last of the hit sitcom
But Ricky told The Mirror: 'I've already made my mind up there won't be a four.'And you do put those things out there to make you remember as it's tempting but... there's an old saying that "to lead the orchestra, you've got to turn your back on the audience".
'That's true. The audience think they want another one, but they're not sure. So you've got to be careful.'
Back at work: The comedian delighted fans on Friday as he revealed he has started work on the third series of the hit Netflix show
On Friday, Ricky shared a snap of himself holding up his new script, captioning the photo: 'Cheers.'
A fan quickly commented on the snap and asked: 'Is that the whole 3rd series complete or just the 1st episode?'
To which Ricky replied: 'Just ep 1. The rest are getting there though.'
After Life follows Tony - played by Ricky - whose life is turned upside down after his wife dies from breast cancer.
The series, which is entirely written and directed by Ricky, has received positive reviews since it debuted in March 2019.
Plot: After Life follows Tony - played by Ricky - whose life is turned upside down after his wife dies from breast cancer
Ricky has often ended his shows after two series but he previously hinted he had ideas for a third series of After Life.
He told Digital Spy: 'I don't know about season three. But what I've said is, for the first time ever, I would do a season three, because the world [in the show] is so rich.
'I love the characters. I love all the actors in it. I love my character. I love the town. I love the themes. I love the dog. So I would do a third one. But it's got to be a real – it's got to be a real demanded-for encore. I'm not going to just do it.'
The update comes after Stephen Merchant took a savage swipe at his The Office co-creator Ricky with a not-so-subtle sly joke about After Life on Twitter.
Progress: Ricky told a fan that he was 'getting there' with writing the rest of the third series
The writer retweeted a question posed by ITV movie critic James King, adding his answer, which was clearly aimed at the dark comedy series.
Asked the question: 'What's your least favourite bit of movie shorthand?' Stephen answered: 'Watching old home movies of dead child/wife = inability to move on.'
Stephen's followers were quick to call out his thinly-veiled dig at After Life, responding with a mix of shock, delight and confusion over the implications of his tweet.
'Blimey Steve. Banter with Rick or a sly dig?' asked one follower, while another also asked: 'Is that a not so sly dig at your mate @RickyGervais??'
Ouch! It comes after Stephen Merchant, 45, took a savage swipe at his former co-worker Ricky with a not-so-subtle sly joke about After Life on Twitter
Ricky and Stephen are thought to have gone their separate ways in 2013, over creative differences.
At the end of last year, Stephen attributed the success of The Office to the duo's 'arrogance' and unique chemistry while speaking openly about the conception of the BBC comedy.
Speaking on BBC Radio 4's Desert Island Discs, he recalled: 'There was an arrogance about us. For me I think it was just, I didn't know better, I had the arrogance of youth.
'I think with Ricky he had quite happily got into a groove in life. He felt he didn't have anything to lose.'
Savage! Asked the question: 'What's your least favourite bit of movie shorthand?' Stephen answered by throwing shade at Ricky Gervais
The writer, director and comedian, recalled being 'dynamic and proactive', and admitted the older and more experienced Ricky was 'willing to walk out of a room if he didn't get his way'.
Stephen continued: 'I would go after him, 'What are you doing?', and he would go, 'It's all a plan, don't worry''.
Reflecting on their 13-year age gap, he added: 'I think maybe because he was in his 30s they trusted him a bit more. He seemed like an adult.'
The pair first met in 1997 when they worked together at a London radio station.
After quitting his job, Stephen later got in touch with Ricky when he had the opportunity to create a film, which lead to the creation of The Office.
Banter or a bust up? Ricky and Stephen are thought to have gone their separate ways in 2013, over creative differences (Pictured in 2010)
The mockumentary sitcom, which starred Ricky as David Brent, depicts the everyday lives of a group of office workers at a paper company, and first aired on BBC Two in 2001.
Set in Slough paper company Wernham Hogg, the show ran for two series, followed by a two-part special in 2003 which recently topped a Radio Times poll to find the best Christmas sitcom.
Stephen also made an appearance in front of the camera as the character Nathan Oggy aka The Oggmonster.
After its success, the pair followed up with another sitcom, Extras, before relishing in major Hollywood success, and partnering up again in various projects.
Stephen, whom Ricky has described as resembling 'an upright lizard being given an electric shock', made only one appearance in the show as Oggy the Ogg Monster, before going on to star as agent Darren Lamb in Extras, which he also co-wrote with Ricky.
Former colleagues: Stephen is best known for co-creating the acclaimed sitcom The Office alongside funny man and longtime friend Ricky Gervais (Pictured in 2002 in The Office)
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