Fans of hit BBC show Ghosts express their devastation at show ending

Fans of the BBC show Ghosts have expressed their devastation after learning the series has been axed.

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.

Having first aired in 2019, Ghosts follows a cash-strapped young couple who inherit a rickety country mansion, only to find it teeming with needy ghosts.

The team behind the smash-hit 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.

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

‘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.’

Fans were quick to take to Twitter to express their sadness at the show ending, with many paying tribute. 

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. 

‘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.

Letting go: Fans were quick to take to Twitter to express their sadness at the show ending, with many paying tribute

‘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.’

Another fan posted: ‘Ghosts ending is like when a person dies. You know it’s happened, and you cry, but it takes a few hours/days for it to finally click and realise they won’t come back.’ 

Someone else shared: ‘Didn’t think ghosts ending would hurt me this much, i am so devastated right now,’ while another person posted: ‘Half-convinced BBC Ghosts ending after series five is an early April fools joke.’

While another fan wrote: ‘Ghosts has been such a comforting and amazing show to watch. Its sad to see it ending but it truly was amazing.’

One other person tweeted: ‘Ghosts has actually changed my life im so sad it’s ending but i know this series will be amazing,’ while someone else commented: ‘They gave me new friends and new perspective in life, they have imparted so many lessons about life and why it should matter living now rather than later when everything is too late. When one door closes another opens this may be a sign that new projects for the 6.’

Another disbelieving fan posted: ‘Can’t believe ghosts is actually ending 🙁 i can’t let go of them forever.’

While someone else shared: ‘I am ugly crying at the news that ghosts is ending. it has saved my life over the past few years and i am completely bereft.’

Jon Petrie, Director of Comedy at the BBC said: ‘We are officially in mourning for the end of this BBC Comedy Classic. We can’t thank the Ghosts team enough for five incredible series (not to mention some perfect Christmas Specials) and we can’t wait for BBC viewers to see the final series. We look forward to working with the team on new projects.’

Alison Carpenter, Creative Director at Monumental added: ‘We are so proud of Ghosts, and particularly the way that audiences have taken it to their hearts.

‘We couldn’t be more grateful for the creativity, talent and hard work that every single cast and crew member has brought to it over the five series, starting with the brilliant creators and stars of the show.

‘The Ghosts family is a very happy one, and we’ll miss it.’

Ghosts starred writers and creators Mathew Baynton, Simon Farnaby, Martha Howe-Douglas, Jim Howick, Laurence Rickard and Ben Willbond, with Lolly Adefope, Charlotte Ritchie and Kiell Smith-Bynoe.

In the upcoming fifth series Alison (Charlotte Ritchie) and Mike (Kiell Smith-Bynoe) begin exploring other means of making ends meet and contemplate a new chapter that could have a huge effect on the Ghosts’ (after) lives.

The fourth series launched in Autumn 2022, and has been nominated for a BAFTA for Best Scripted Comedy.

It was the biggest comedy series of the year in terms of audiences across broadcast TV with 5.7M viewers tuning in for episode one.

Success story: The fourth series launched in Autumn 2022, and has been nominated for a BAFTA for Best Scripted Comedy