The final episode of BBC’s Ghosts has been revealed.
The broadcaster announced that the last ever showing will hit screens on Christmas Day at 8.30pm, airing on BBC One and BBC iPlayer.
The final episode of the five-series programme – which stars Charlotte Ritchie, Ben Willbond and Matthew Baynton- will also be available in full on BBC iPlayer that day.
But the sitcom’s stars have revealed that the decision to end was not taken lightly and have been reduced to tears over the finale.
The cast, who wanted to end the show on a high, were so devastated to leave their characters behind they all pinched key parts to their costumes and props for keepsakes.
The Final: It was announced that the last ever showing of Ghosts will hit screens on Christmas Day at 8.30pm, airing on BBC One and BBC iPlayer
Teary cast: But the sitcom stars have revealed that the decision to end was not taken lightly and have been reduced to tears over the finale
Martha Howe-Douglas, who plays Lady Button, said they struggled over the outcome.
Martha said: ‘It wasn’t an easy decision at all. It still isn’t. There were lots of tears.’
Martha’s character is an Edwardian who falls to her death from a window while shrieking every day.
The smash-hit show is West Horsley Place in Surrey and its final series is set to premiere on October 6.
Last Christmas, the popular paranormal comedy attracted six million viewers.
Having first aired in 2019, it follows a cash-strapped couple, Alison, played by Charlotte Ritchie, and Mike, acted by Kiell Smith-Bynoe, who inherit rickety Button House, an abandoned country mansion.
With plans to renovate it into a luxury hotel, they despair when they find the mansion teeming with needy ghosts.
Charlotte also took some memorabilia of her as she admitted to keeping some of her character’s iconic clothing. She said she had some ‘great’ jumpers.
End of the road: Pat (Jim Howick), The Captain (Ben Willbond), Lady Button (Martha Howe-Douglas), Thomas Thorne (Mathew Baynton), Headless John (Laurence Rickard) and Julian (Simon Farnaby) pictured
Spooky: The show follows a cash-strapped couple, Alison, played by Charlotte Ritchie, and Mike, acted by Kiell Smith-Bynoe, who inherit Button House, an abandoned country mansion
The grown-up comedy is from the Horrible Histories team and according to Ben Willbond, who plays Second World War Veteran The Captain, the best is yet to come.
Fans can expect to watch Ben’s favourite scene of all time as he teased to The Mirror that ‘all I can say is ”I’m sorry”’.
When the team behind the show decided it’s time to wave goodbye to the inhabitants of Button House and focus on new projects, sharing an emotional tribute online.
They wrote: ‘After five incredible years haunting the halls of Button House, we have decided that the time is right to let our beloved sitcom Ghosts rest in peace.
‘We have just wrapped filming on our fifth and final series and we can’t wait to share it with you all later this year.
‘We could never have imagined the reception the show has enjoyed, or the fun we have had making it, and we would like to thank our amazing cast and crew as well as everyone at BBC Comedy, BBC1 and Monumental Television for their tireless support.
‘But most of all we’d like to thank everyone who watches. Mathew, Martha, Simon, Jim, Laurence and Ben x.’
But the cast are not the only ones who are upset over the show’s termination.
Referring to The Six Idiots – the fan name for the collection of comedians and actors who came together to write Horrible Histories and Ghosts, one person tweeted: ‘Knowing that Ghosts is ending hurts so much but I hope the six idiots know how much fans have loved this show.
Emotional: The broadcaster confirmed filming on the fifth series of Ghosts had concluded for good on Friday, despite being nominated for a BAFTA for Best Scripted Comedy
‘The characters and this world they have created mean so much to me. They are truly masterful creators and I will forever be grateful for everyone a part of this show.
‘The fact their work has inspired Ghosts cbs is so cool and I’ve always appreciated how historically accurate their work is and how they leave little room for plot holes in such a complex storyline.
‘Ghosts is so beautiful because it show how so many different people with vastly different personalities are able to get along and live in one house together.
‘I think it’s amazing that they are able to use the theme of death to bring comfort, peace and happiness.
‘I hope the six idiots will continue to work together and I look forward to future projects.’
