Ricky Gervais has revealed that he'd like to die before his partner.
The comedian opened up about his relationship with TV producer and author Jane Fallon while promoting the third season of his hit Netflix show After Life.
During an appearance on The One Show, the 60-year-old entertainer was asked whether he had come to appreciate Jane more since creating the show, which focuses on a widower learning to cope with the loss of his wife.
"I always did - in fact, that's where the idea came from," said Gervais - who was being interviewed alongside his German Shepherd Anti.
The comedian paused before explaining the inspiration behind After Life to hosts Alex Scott and Alex Jones.
"My first thought was, what would happen if you lost everything? You can do what you want and there will be no consequences. I had to think, 'What's it like to lose everything?' And to me, it's your soul mate, your life partner. So that's where it came from."
Gervais added that he would prefer to die than to be left behind after his partner had passed away.
"I'd be terrible. You know, I want to go first – which is selfish, but I do. I don't want to - " he said - before he was interrupted by Anti whimpering.
The studio let out a collective "aww", and Gervais rushed to comfort his pet, saying: "Not yet, Anti! I won't be going yet, Anti."
Seemingly pacified, Anti licked his owner while Gervais joked: "Oh Anti, I've got six more years!"
Originally from Reading, England, Gervais has been with partner Jane Fallon since 1982. Former TV producer Fallon has written eleven novels and lives with Gervais in North London.
After Life stars Gervais as local journalist Tony, a man struck by immense grief after the death of his wife, who learns to enjoy living again with the help of his small-town neighbors.
The third and final season of the acclaimed show is available to watch on Netflix now.