After Life season 3 has finally launched on Netflix - topping charts in the UK and pulling at the nation's heartstrings once again.
The latest and final instalment of Ricky Gervais' masterpiece follows the story of local journalist Tony Johnson, whose life is turned upside down after his wife dies from breast cancer. Despite the show's heavy themes of suicide, grief, and addiction - it is filled with hilarious characters and uplifting moments.
However, fans were quick to notice one character's absence.
Sandy, played by Mandeep Dhillon, is a journalist at the Tambury Gazette. She is featured in the first two seasons and builds a special bond with protagonist Tony.
In the opening of the third season, viewers discover she has been replaced with a new intern.
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In an interview with Radio Times, Gervais says he tried to "make it work" with Dhillon, who was working on a project in America at the time of filming.
"Because of COVID, she had to go early, and that’s fine," the comedian said. "These things happen all the time. You can’t get angry about it, so you rewrite it and I hope it still turns out great.
“You let all the other things fill the gap. There’s too much anyway. All the episodes come in at 45 minutes [initially]. I’ve always got to cut 15 minutes, so you’ve just got to roll with it, whether people can do it or not".
Sandy isn't the only character missing from the third season of After Life. Roisin Conaty, who plays sex worker Roxy, is mentioned throughout the show does not actually feature in any episodes.
Addressing the character's absence on the show, Tony tells Roxy's boyfriend: "She doesn’t come round anymore".
What did you think of After Life Series 3? Let us know in the comments section below
