'Rewriting is fun'

Ricky Gervais has finished the first draft for a second series of After Life.

The comic last night posted a picture of himself clutching the script of the first episode of the follow-up season, saying: ‘Writing is hard. Rewriting is fun. Drinking wine when you’ve just finished a first draft is fucking great.’

Writing is hard. Rewriting is fun. Drinking wine when you’ve just finished a first draft is fucking great. pic.twitter.com/7lZ5Zn0pmG

— Ricky Gervais (@rickygervais) May 6, 2019

Last month Netflix confirmed that the black comedy – in which Gervais plays grieving local reporter Tony, who repeatedly contemplates suicide following the death of his wife Lisa – would be returning.

At the end of the first series, the hitherto nihilistic Tony had come to understand that his life was worth living thanks to the interventions of those around him.

Of the positive critical and audience reaction to the first series, Gervais said: ‘I have never had a reaction like this before. It's been insane. And heartwarming. But now I have to make sure the second season is even better so I'll probably have to work much harder than usual. Annoying really.’

Six new episodes are expected in 2020.

Published: 7 May 2019