Ricky Gervais says there will be no series four of hit series After Life despite the first two seasons being met with rave reviews
The comic delighted fans this week when he revealed he’d penned a draft for the first episode of series three – but he says it will be the final installment.
Netflix favourite After Life follows Tony - played by 59-year-old Ricky - whose life is turned upside down after his wife dies from breast cancer.
It’s been one of the most watched series on the streaming channel – but will be coming to an abrupt end, according to the show creator himself.
Ricky said: “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.”
This week The Office actor shared a snap of himself holding up a script for a forthcoming third series episode.
A fan 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.”
Talking to Berkshire Life magazine about his decision to bring the show back, he said: “I knew there was a season three, but it had to be a demanded encore.
“I said ‘It’s got to go down as well as season one or even better’. They’ve got to be shouting for it. And you’ve got to be able to make it as good.
"I wouldn’t just do it because they demanded it if I didn’t think I could make it as good. So it needs to tick a lot of boxes. And that’s why it’s very, very finite.”
It’s the first time Ricky has ever written a third series as previous hits The Office, Extras and Derek all had only two full seasons each.
