Ricky Gervias has announced the sad news that a star of his hit comedy drama series AfterLife has died at the age of 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 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.

Ricky Gervais with the famous German Shepherd ( 
Image:
PA)
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.