Richard Madeley was left red-faced after he gatecrashed Ricky Gervais‘ After Life set and was led away by security on Friday.
The TV presenter, 64, was seen turning up at a venue being used to film scenes for the next season of the hit show in his white VW car and trying to get a table.
However, Richard soon discovered that although the al fresco dining spot looked open as several people were milling around outside it was actually closed to the public and filled with crew for the Netflix series.
Oh dear! Richard Madeley was left red-faced after he gatecrashed Ricky Gervais’ After Life set and was led away by security on Friday
Pictures taken outside the venue show Richard looking rather unimpressed that he’ll have to change his plans and putting on an animated display as he chatted to crew.
While another image shows the star stepping out of his vehicle while a man wearing a face mask holds out his hand as if to signal that the road and restaurant are closed.
After speaking with several people, Richard appeared to accept his fate and pulled up his green padded jacket as he headed back out in search of another place to grab a meal.
Where do you think you’re going? The TV presenter, 64, was seen turning up at a venue being used to film scenes for the next season of After Life in his white VW car and trying to get a table
There he is: Comedian Ricky Gervais was also spotted popping outside to see what all the fuss was about
Ricky, 59, was also spotted walking around on set and appeared to pop outside to see what all the fuss was about after Richard’s impromptu appearance.
MailOnline has contacted Richard’s representative for a comment.
The comedian, who stars in and writes After Life, confirmed that filming on season three has started on Monday as he took to Twitter to reveal he was on-set.
While last year, Ricky discussed the difficulties he faced in writing the show amid the roaring success of its second series.
Speaking to Radio Times last year, the star admitted that following his iconic comedies The Office and Extras, he struggled most to bring After Life to life due to the complexities of the story, which follows a widower’s grief.
Talking it out: Pictures taken outside the venue show Richard looking rather unimpressed that he’ll have to change his plans and putting on an animated display as he chatted to crew
It’s all booked! Richard managed to go inside the building before a man in a white top spoke to him and lead him away
Chatting: He spoke with the man outside while several other members of crew worked around them in the beer garden area
Since its release last week, After Life fans have been gushing over the second season, which continues to follow the story of grieving Tony – played by Ricky – as he begins to have his spirits lifted by his adoring support network.
While Tony is still seen yearning for his late wife Lisa, he begins to perk up and vows to help his loved ones to improve their lives.
As well as Ricky, the cast includes Penelope Wilton, Ashley Jensen, Bill Ward, Tom Basden, Joe Wilkinson, Kerry Godliman, Roisin Conaty and Diane Morgan.
Richard’s appearance comes after he was tipped to be in the running to replace Piers Morgan on Good Morning Britain.
Moving on: After speaking with several people, Richard appeared to accept his fate and pulled up his green padded jacket as he headed back out in search of another place to grab a meal
Casual: Richard cut a laid-back figure during the entertaining incident in blue jeans and a white T-shirt over a padded jacket
Trying not to laugh? Ricky seemed amused by it all as he stepped back into the pub (right) and popped his mask back on to chat with some crew (left)
Where are you off too pal? Two men pointed towards Richard as he tried to go inside in search of a table
Explaining? He spoke with a few people outside in the sunshine
The broadcaster, who has had several guest stints on the show in the past, will reportedly have a trial run on the panel in June.
Richard previously said he’d be ‘bonkers’ to turn down the chance to fill Piers’ seat on the show, after the presenter quit in March in the wake of his reaction to Meghan Markle‘s interview with Oprah Winfrey.
According to The Sun, bosses will test out Richard with a guest stint this summer, and are hoping he’ll be a good fit to replace Piers thanks to his background in journalism and no-nonsense approach during interviews.
A source said: ‘Piers is nigh-on impossible to replace and GMB execs accept this, but Richard has his own inimitable style.
On set: Ricky confirmed After Life filming had started again on Monday after sharing a snap from set (Richard is pictured talking to a crew member on Friday)
Oops! Richard seemed a little confused by what was going on
‘Like Piers, he’s a trained journalist who knows how to press guests and get a decent ‘line’ from interviewees. He shoots from the hip, says what he thinks, and is a genuinely brilliant, likeable chap off air — so it’s very much a ”watch this space”.’
MailOnline has contacted representatives for Good Morning Britain and Richard Madeley for comment at the time.
The reports come just days after Richard himself said he would be open to filling Piers’ seat on GMB.
He told Metro: ‘If the phone went and they said, ‘Would you come in and talk?’ of course I would talk to them. It would be bonkers not to. But I very much like sitting in for people. I have all the fun and very little of the responsibility or flak.’