Back from the dead? Family Guy's Brian Griffin 'to make a comeback' after fan petition

Creators rumoured to have written the dog into the Christmas episode

The Griffins' much-loved pet dog was hit by a car and killed in November (Family Guy)

If Brian Griffin left a dog-holding-a-martini-glass shaped hole in your heart, then dab away those tears as the creators of Family Guy may be bringing him back.

Fans of the programme were left heartbroken in November after the eloquent canine was hit by a car and killed off in an emotional scene that now looks like a publicity stunt for the show’s twelfth season that is airing in the US.

Currently, British views are catching up as the BBC only broadcasts episodes of series 11 but a clip of the cartoon quickly went viral.

Soon, a petition was started by fans of the show to re-introduce the character, racking up over 120,000 signatures before it closed.

But it looks like the signatories may have fallen for a trick plot twist, as it is rumoured that Brian will return in an episode entitled "Christmas Guy" which will air for US audiences on 15 December.

Fox have declined to comment, so exactly how Peter Griffin’s four-legged companion will return is uncertain. However, an official logline from the episode sees baby Stewie devising a “master plan to get the one and only thing he wants for Christmas” and lists Brian in the cast of characters.

Fans will have to wait until next week to find out exactly what Stewie’s wish will be.