Ricky Gervais has hinted that the upcoming third season of After Life might not be the definitive end of the show.

The comedian broke precedent by committing to a third season of the dark Netflix comedy, having previously only made two full seasons of shows such as The Office, Extras and Derek.

In the past Gervais has insisted that the third will definitely be the last but has now admitted that he harbours thoughts of making a fourth season of the critically-acclaimed show, which ranks among Netflix's most-watched original series ever.

Asked by Deadline why he said the third season would be the last, he replied: "Every time someone asks that I get a little adrenaline rush wishing it wasn't it and I could do a fourth. I know for a fact I could.

"But the reason I said it is definitely the end is so I'd be bullied and made fun of for going back on it.

"It's a no-brainer I should do a fourth [season], I should do it in terms of economics and the audience would love it. Everything points towards it except would series four be as good as the first three and actually better? Because it's no good for it to be just as good. I don't want it to outstay its welcome."

After Life season three is released on Netflix next Friday, January 14.