Ricky Gervais confirms 'After Life' will return for season three as he signs multi-year deal with Netflix

The comedian will help develop new scripted projects for the streaming service

Ricky Gervais has announced a third season of 'After Life'. Netflix

Ricky Gervais has confirmed that his popular Netflix series After Life will return for a third season.

The comedian has also struck an overall deal with Netflix to help develop new scripted projects for the streaming service, as well as stand-up specials as part of a multi-year deal.

The news was announced following the release of season two of After Life, which follows Tony (played by Gervais) as he navigates life in the small fictional town of Tambury after losing his wife to cancer.

The show has been praised for its raw portrayal of dealing with grief, paired with Gervais’s famous comedic touch.

The confirmation of a third season is a first for Gervais, who has previously capped all other projects, including The Office, at two seasons.

However, speaking to Deadline last month, the star said he this was the right show to continue, because he "loved the world" he had created.

“There are so many strong characters. I’d say there are six characters that could have their own sitcom; that could be the lead in a sitcom,” he said.

So, while there are no clues yet as to when series three might be released, fans can expect Gervais to delve deeper into the characters of Tambury when they return.

Announcing the news on Twitter in typical Gervais style, he blamed fans of the show for making him have to produce another season. "This is all your fault," he said.