GHOST stories

LAURENCE RICKARD and MATHEW BAYNTON on the tricks and treats ahead in the final series of their spooky sitcom

- CAREN CLARK

GHOSTS
FRIDAY, 8.30PM, BBC1 COMEDY

From the philosophical insights of caveman Robin to the lovelorn musings of Regency poet Thomas, the outlandish behaviour of Button House’s lovable spectral residents has enchanted viewers since Ghosts began in 2019.

But all good things must come to an end, and for the BBC1 comedy’s writing troupe, who came to fame with CBBC’s Horrible Histories, the decision to make the current fifth run the last was difficult.

‘It’s the most joyous job we’ve done; some days I got a headache from laughing!’ smiles actor Laurence Rickard, who pens the show with co-stars Mathew Baynton, Simon Farnaby, Martha Howe-Douglas, Jim Howick and Ben Willbond. ‘It’s tough to say goodbye and we thought about it long and hard.’

Here, in an exclusive interview, Laurence, 48, who plays Robin as well as put-upon Tudor Headless Humphrey, and Mathew, 42, who portrays Thomas, tell TV Times why the time is right to bring down the shutters at Button House…

Why did you decide to end Ghosts now?

LAURENCE We were wary of treading water and the trajectory of any TV show is downhill, so there was a temptation to finish on a high and give it a fitting send-off. There are other projects we’re talking about. It’s nice to stretch our legs and have a balance of solo projects but also things we can do as a group.