BBC orders a second series of hit sitcom

BBC One has ordered a second series of Ghosts, following its critical and ratings success.

From the team behind Horrible Histories, the show has been the top comedy series on British TV so far this year, averaging 3.6million viewers in the consolidated ratings.

It revolves around a young couple  Alison and Mike – played by Charlotte Ritchie and Kiell Smith-Bynoe – who unexpectedly inherit a grand country estate, only to find it is teeming with the ghosts of former inhabitants, which only Alison can see

The sitcom was the first BBC One project for original stars of Horrible Histories and creators and stars of Yonderland: Mathew Baynton, Simon Farnaby, Martha Howe-Douglas, Jim Howick, Laurence Rickard and Ben Willbond.

They all played the ghosts, alongside Katy Wix and Lolly Adefope.

In a statement, the creators said: ‘We are dead excited to be returning to BBC One for a second series of Ghosts. We could not have asked for a more enthusiastic response to the show, and can’t wait to get haunting Button House once again. 

‘We are already hard at work on stories for series two, and can’t wait to share them with you.’

Critics gave the comedy a warm reception when it launched last month, with four-star reviews  from the Guardian, Independent and Times, which called it ‘cheerful, comfort-blanket stuff’.   Here’s Chortle’s review

Shane Allen, the BBC’s controller of comedy commissioning added: "Ghosts gave us all a very pleasant shock in landing so fully formed as an instant mainstream hit. This very special gang of writer-performers have created a rich character world shot through with their trademark wit, warmth and mischief.’

No details have yet been revealed about when Ghosts will return.

Made by: Monumental Television  in association with Them There
Producer: Matthew Mulot
Director: Tom Kingsley
Executive producers: Mathew Baynton, Simon Farnaby, Martha Howe-Douglas, Jim Howick, Laurence Rickard and Ben Willbond, Alison Carpenter, Debra Hayward and Alison Owen.
Commissioned by: Shane Allen, BBC controller of comedy commissioning and Charlotte Moore, director of BBC content
Commissioning editor for the BBC: Kate Daughton.

Published: 28 May 2019