Despite an outpouring of affection from fans, the comedy series Derek looks unlikely to return.

The series, about a man who works as a carer in a nursing home, stars Ricky Gervais.

Gervais flagged recently that the series would end after two seasons and a Christmas special.

"I was really tempted to do a third series of this for lots of reasons. I loved the atmosphere, I loved the working environment, it's probably the best ever. We had so much fun on it," Gervais said.

"It was sad that it's the end but you should always go out on a high."

But that special, which was aired in the UK this week, was met with an outpouring of affection from fans on social media.

Gervais thanked the fans for the support via his own social media account.

"Wow. What an amazing response to the Derek special," he wrote.

"Never had a reaction like it. Thank you so much. I love you. Merry Christmas."

Lights out... #DerekSpecial https://t.co/mUoM2Y2Wzj — Derek (@DerekTVShow) December 23, 2014

British newspaper critics, however, were never universal in their praise for the series, much of their uncertainly connected to whether the main character, Derek Noakes, was mentally disabled.

Gervais defended the series saying it was satirising prejudice against the disabled, but The Guardian said it felt "more like lazy cruelty than satire".

The Radio Times defended Gervais' portrayal, noting that Derek was "un-cynically presented as a hero who ... lacks ego and guile and merely wants to be nice; those seeking to take offence at Gervais's portrayal of Derek will have to look hard."

Thought the #DerekSpecial was absolutely brilliant. Just a wonderful show. — Alex Brooker (@alex_brooker) December 22, 2014

Gutted this is the end of #Derek. It's so brilliant. #DerekSpecial — Elliot Gonzalez (@elliot_gonzalez) December 22, 2014

Wow. What an amazing response to the #DerekSpecial. Never had a reaction like it. Thank you so much. I love you. Merry Christmas :) — Ricky Gervais (@rickygervais) December 22, 2014

Thanks so much for all your lovely tweets still flooding in about the #DerekSpecial. I've had a spring in my step all day. #kindnessismagic — Ricky Gervais (@rickygervais) December 23, 2014

Just watched #DerekSpecial was everything i wanted, funny, sad, emotional and brilliant Amazing yet again @rickygervais — Becky Dean (@MayfairTrainer) December 25, 2014

Thanks for your lovely comments still flooding in about the Derek Special. Never had a reaction like it. I loves you. pic.twitter.com/SwmOMW8JtM — Ricky Gervais (@rickygervais) December 25, 2014