Ricky Gervais heartbroken over death of After Life co-star as he pays tribute to scene stealer

DEVASTATED Ricky Gervais has revealed his trusty After Life sidekick has died.

The deed sitcom's prima and writer announced connected societal media this day that Antilly the dog, who plays his quality Tony's canine Brandy, passed distant aged 13.

He wrote: "Sad News. 'Anti', who played 'Brandy' successful After Life, has died. She was 13 and a precise bully miss [crying emoji]."

In a further tribute, helium said: "This is specified bittersweet news. Anti was a beauteous soul. We deed it disconnected consecutive distant and she helped marque After Life my favourite filming acquisition of each time.

"I’m truthful gladsome that I told her a 100 times a time that she was a precise bully girl.”

Fans were heartbroken, with 1 commenting: "I’ve ne'er cried arsenic overmuch arsenic erstwhile Brandy barked erstwhile Tony was astir to apical himself. Clever doggy. Bestest girl. What a solemnisation of your life."

Another said: "Sleep good small one."

A 3rd said: "Rest successful bid angel, convey you for you acting service."

The German Shepherd died astatine location successful Oxfordshire.

She was a TV stalwart having appeared successful Doc Martin with Martin Clunes and For The Love of Dogs with Paul O'Grady.

But it was for After Life that the trusty pooch is champion known.

She was a life-saving crutch for Tony arsenic helium navigated beingness aft the decease of his woman Lisa from cancer.