Ricky Gervais has addressed After Life's latest conspiracy theory and set the record straight to confused fans.
The show writer and director, 58, responded to intrigued viewers of the Netflix show who believe Anne, the lady in the graveyard, is a ghost.
The actor confirmed the character, who is played by Penelope Wilton, is in fact not a ghost on the dark comedy series.
Ricky, who admitted he's a huge fan of the theory, explained: "No, she's not. I love that conspiracy theory and it could happen."
But the comedian revealed it would never occur in After Life, adding: "Not in one of my things. That would be odd - unless I did an actual fantasy thing where there were ghosts and angels, which I might one day."
The star revealed the purpose of Anne's role is to highlight having someone to turn to in times of hardship.
"She's real. She's there to show that the kindness of strangers can save a life really - and that we all need an Anne in our life - that slightly older and wiser person with nothing to gain other than just showing empathy and honesty," Ricky added.
He said Anne's character is there to show the gesture of kindness and goodwill without expecting anything in return.
Using the example of a bird, Ricky explained: "Like if you see a baby bird - you don't have to think, 'Oh my God, should I bother?' you go, 'Oh my God it's a little baby bird that's fallen out the nest'.
"You don't start thinking, 'I'm a great person for doing this,' or 'What's in it for me? That bird can never pay me back.'"
Ricky also said his character Tony Johnson keeps going back to her on the show, to "seek her out," as fans will see notice during the series.
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