Ricky Gervais could be back as Tony Johnson in After Life sooner than expected as rumours abound a special Christmas episode is being penned by the comedian.
The 58-year-old has found new success on Netflix with his dark comedy series about a man coming to terms with the death of his wife, Lisa – played in flashbacks by comedienne Kerry Godliman.
Streaming giant Netflix renewed the show for a third season shortly after the second aired in April – however, the third season is not planned to air until 2021.
But fans of the comedy could be able to see the characters back for a one hour Christmas special, according to The Sun.
A source told the publication: “Ricky is a huge asset to Netflix as everything he writes essentially turns to gold.
“There is such a huge appetite for After Life and it’s got a massive fan base.
"The third series won’t air until 2021 so there is a meeting in the diary to see if Ricky could create the Christmas special.”
Ricky has previously enjoyed success with Christmas specials with past comedies including the BBC hit The Office.
The source claims a one hour special is being considered – but warns that the ongoing coronavirus pandemic could prove to be a spanner in the works.
However, the source says there are hopes that camera tricks and social distance filming, similar to that being employed by soaps including Coronation Street and Neighbours, could be implemented.
After Life is the first sitcom Ricky has created for Netflix since signing a big money deal to work with the TV makers in 2018.
It has been reported the comedian was awarded a £5 million contract to write a third season of the show.
After Life is filmed on location in North London and at Pinewood film studios in Buckinghamshire.
