Ricky Gervais heartbroken as he announces death of beloved TV sidekick aged 13

Ricky Gervais has revealed the sad news that a star of AfterLife has died aged 13. The comedian-turned-actor took to social media to announce the death of Anti, who played Brandy the dog in the hit Netflix series.

Taking to Twitter/X the star shared an image of himself and the German Shepherd pooch on a park bench. He wrote: "Sad News. 'Anti', who played 'Brandy' in AfterLife, has died. She was 13 and a very good girl." He added a crying face emoji to his post as fans quickly paid their respects to the canine and shared their thoughts on the series.

One user penned: "It was the most simple yet profound series I've ever watched. Watching you in this role, I constantly saw myself. It was a series where I confronted myself and life. You and Brandy were amazing." Another wrote: "I'm so sorry to hear that. She brought so much joy and love to the show."

A third said: "I lost my GSD a few years back. Such wonderful dogs," and a fourth added: "Very sorry to hear it, Ricky. They are family. Condolences."

AfterLife saw Ricky play the role of a man called Tony who is struggling to come to terms with his wife's death. He portrayed the newspaper columnist who adopts a new persona in an effort to push away those trying to help. Anti was seen in the touching role of his best pal at home, Brandy, who supports Tony through grief.

In 2022, the dog's owner, Beth Heale told BBC: "What she is to Tony, is what she is to us in real life." She added: "We don't have children, just like how Lisa and Tony don't in the show. It sends a poignant message throughout - dogs are there for you when people can't be and Antilly is always there."

Antilly had also had an Instagram account set up. Her death was shared to its thousands of followers alongside a sweet montage of moments, including alongside Ricky and another snap with the late Paul O'Grady. The caption read: "Vislor Antilly, After Life's Brandy, has sadly passed away. We already miss her terribly. Sleep well xxx"

The role on AfterLife wasn't Anti's only taste of fame. At just 10 weeks old, she visited the set of The Dark Knight Rises with her other owner, Ashley Foster, who is a TV and film extra. He was playing one of Bane's henchmen and both of Antilly's parents were starring as attack dogs.

Antilly was often typecast as a police dog or guard dog on her time in front of the camera. She also featured in Midsomer Murders, Doc Martin and 2016 film Denial. She also appeared in Trespass Against Us, The Midnight Sky, and The Boys in the Boat. Ricky has often spoke out on animal rights and previously said he relates to all owners by doing 'anything' for dogs. He previously opened up on what dogs mean to him by saying: "You know me. I'll do anything for dogs.

"It was acting but it's pretty easy to get emotional over a beautiful dog. If the kindest souls were rewarded with the longest lives, dogs would outlive us all."

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