Meet the cast of BBC One sitcom Ghosts
Here's who you can expect to see back in the 2023 Christmas special.
It's almost time for the last ever episode of Ghosts, with fans of the BBC sitcom nervously waiting to find out what becomes of their favourite characters.
The series comes from the comedy minds behind Horrible Histories and Yonderland, chronicling the chaotic goings-on at a house shared by a young couple and an eclectic group of spectres.
Charlotte Ritchie and Kiell Smith-Bynoe play Button House owners Mike and Alison, who mark a major milestone in the final episode as they bring home their newborn baby from hospital – as seen in the recent trailer.
How will this major new development change things? For starters, it sees the return of Mike's mother, Betty (Sutara Gayle), who is keen to ensure her granddaughter is getting the best care.
Read on for everything you need to know about the Ghosts cast, ahead of the Christmas 2023 special on BBC One.
Ghosts cast: Who stars in the 2023 Christmas special?
Charlotte Ritchie plays Alison
Who is Alison? Alison is a cash-strapped woman who finds out that she has inherited a country manor from her "step-great-auntie" – a distant relative who died leaving no direct descendants.
In the first series, she has a near-death experience that gives her the ability to see ghosts, allowing her to get to know the larger-than-life personalities haunting her new home. Over time, they become unlikely friends, but life in Button House still has plenty of challenges – especially when Alison becomes pregnant.
Where have I seen Charlotte Ritchie before? She played Nurse Barbara Gilbert on Call The Midwife until making a heartbreaking exit in season 7, and previously starred in Channel 4 comedy Fresh Meat as Oregon.
Since leaving Midwife, she has also co-starred in Netflix's Feel Good and E4's Dead Pixels, as well as making guest appearances in Doctor Who and Death in Paradise. More recently, she joined the Grantchester cast for season 7, playing a love interest to vicar William Davenport (Tom Brittney), and took on a dark new role for You season 4.
Kiell Smith-Bynoe plays Mike
Who is Mike? Mike is Charlotte's husband, who moves with her to Button House to help renovate the dilapidated property. He isn't able to see the ghosts like Alison can, but does believe that they exist and supports her in coping with them where he can.
The writers of Ghosts have dismissed the idea of finding a way for Mike to see the paranormal tenants himself, feeling it would change the premise of the show too radically and irreversibly. Besides, Mike gets into plenty of hijinks all on his own, with the season 4 finale following his ill-fated purchase of a taxidermy bear.
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Where have I seen Kiell Smith-Bynoe before? Smith-Bynoe is best known for playing Dean in acclaimed Channel 4 comedy Stath Lets Flats, while he has also appeared in Man Like Mobeen, Death in Paradise and Bloods.
He made a guest appearance in Daisy May Cooper comedy The Witchfinder and featured in Dave mockumentary Live at the Moth Club. Most recently, he starred alongside Lily Allen and Freema Agyeman in Sky comedy Dreamland, before being named the new host of The Great British Sewing Bee.
Mathew Baynton plays Thomas
Who is Thomas? A failed romantic poet who now haunts Button House. He quickly becomes infatuated with Alison, and finds it hard to accept that she isn't interested in him.
Where have I seen Mathew Baynton before? The Horrible Histories and Yonderland star first came to national attention in the Gavin & Stacey cast, where he played Smithy's dim-witted friend and colleague, Deano. He teamed up with James Corden once again on comedy-drama series The Wrong Mans.
His other television credits include ITV's Vanity Fair, The Split, Peep Show and Sky's You, Me and the Apocalypse. This Christmas, you can also find Baynton in family blockbuster Wonka, which is co-written by Simon Farnaby (more on him below).
Simon Farnaby plays Julian
Who is Julian? A Conservative MP who passed away under embarrassing circumstances. Hint: he's not wearing any trousers. Julian also has the ability to move objects in the real world, but only short distances and with great concentration. His fellow ghosts regard Julian as morally bankrupt, although he has shown a softer side from time to time.
Where have I seen Simon Farnaby before? As well as Horrible Histories and Yonderland, Simon Farnaby has also had roles in Detectorists and This Time with Alan Partridge, as well as a brief cameo appearance in Rogue One: A Star Wars Story.
Behind the camera, he is known for co-writing family adventure Paddington 2, which received critical acclaim and was a box office hit, and reunited with director Paul King for Hollywood blockbuster Wonka, starring Timothée Chalamet.
Lolly Adefope plays Kitty
Who is Kitty? One of the ghosts haunting Alison and Mike, Kitty is a Georgian noblewoman who is very kind and easily excited. Sadly, she's also rather naive and this has been exploited in the past – including by her mean sister.
Where have I seen Lolly Adefope before? The comedy star played infuriating roving reporter Ruth Duggan in This Time with Alan Partridge, while she also stars in US comedies Shrill and Miracle Workers.
She also competed on the fourth season of Greg Davies and Alex Horne's smash hit Taskmaster. This year, we've seen her in offbeat Channel 4 sitcom Everyone Else Burns and Emerald Fennell's awards contender Saltburn.
Martha Howe-Douglas plays Lady Button
Who is Lady Button? A distant relative of Alison who passed away in Button House during the Edwardian era. She starts out extremely pompous and elitist, still considering the house to be her home above all else. However, over time, she has warmed to her fellow ghosts as well as the latest living owners.
Where have I seen Martha Howe-Douglas before? The Horrible Histories and Yonderland regular also featured in Doctor Foster and made a surprise appearance on EastEnders back in 2018. More recently, she has guest starred in BBC One sitcom Motherland and Sky comedy Breeders. In 2023, she revealed to RadioTimes.com that she almost played Alison in Ghosts.
Ben Willbond plays The Captain
Who is The Captain? A former army officer who fancies himself the leader amongst the spirits in the mansion. It has been strongly implied that the Captain is gay, with one emotional episode revealing he developed feelings for one of his fellow soldiers during World War II. However, he did not come out of the closet before his death – and may not completely understand his feelings to this day.
Where have I seen Ben Willbond before? Another Horrible Histories and Yonderland favourite, Willbond has also featured in comedies such as The Thick of It, Tracey Ullman's Show, There She Goes and Alma's Not Normal. He also appeared in Neil Gaiman's fantasy series Good Omens. On the big screen, you may recognise him from belated sequel Bridget Jones's Baby. He collaborated with Ghosts co-star Laurence Rickard on the UKTV sci-fi feature We Are Not Alone.
Jim Howick plays Pat
Who is Pat? Another of the ghosts in Button House: a former scout leader who got an arrow in the neck during a day trip gone horribly wrong. He is a warm-hearted soul and expresses much nostalgia for the 1970s and early '80s, when he lived.
Where have I seen Jim Howick before? The Horrible Histories, Yonderland and Peep Show favourite has a memorable recurring role as teacher Mr Hendricks in Netflix's Sex Education. He currently stars in another BBC sitcom, Here We Go, while he also took a dramatic turn for ITV thriller Hollington Drive.
Laurence Rickard plays Robin
Who is Robin? A caveman and the longest serving ghost in the house by far, Robin also has the ability to make the lights in the house flicker.
Where have I seen Larry Rickard before? As well as Horrible Histories and Yonderland, Rickard has also written for and starred in Tracey Ullman's Show and Tracey Breaks the News. He co-wrote and appeared in UKTV sci-fi comedy We Are Not Alone, alongside Ben Willbond.
Laurence Rickard plays Sir Humphrey Bone
Who is Sir Humphrey Bone? Humphrey is a ghost from the Tudor period who was beheaded. As a result, his head often detaches from his body and goes missing around the house. In season 3, we learn more about the surprising circumstances that led to his grisly fate.
Where have I seen Larry Rickard before? See above.
Sutara Gayle plays Mike's mum, Betty
Who is Betty? Betty is Mike's loving mother who stayed at Button House for Christmas 2020. Much like her husband, she finds it difficult to sit down and relax, preferring to find things to help out with. She returns three years later to help Alison and Mike get settled with their newborn baby, Mia.
What else has Sutara Gayle been in? Gayle's recent projects include Steve McQueen's Small Axe film Red, White and Blue, BBC One's Silent Witness and hard-hitting drama Anthony.
Ghosts season 5 cast: Who guest stars in the final season?
Anna Crilly plays Joy
Who is Joy? Joy is an ironically stern individual who works for Mike and Alison's insurance company.
What else has Anna Crilly been in? Crilly starred opposite former Ghosts star Katy Wix in the 2013 sketch show Anna & Katy. More recently, she's had roles in television dramas COBRA, The Sixth Commandment and Still Up.
Geoffrey McGivern plays Barclay Beg-Chetwynde
Who is Barclay Beg-Chetwynde? Barclay is Mike and Alison's wealthy neighbour. He frequently annoys the young couple with his arrogant attitude, but did have a heroic moment on the night Button House was almost burgled.
What else has Geoffrey McGivern been in? McGivern has a brilliant role on the Mitchell and Webb sitcom Back, where he plays the outrageously loudmouthed Uncle Geoff. His other credits include ITV drama Quiz, BBC sitcom Semi-Detached and Grantchester.
Nathan Byron plays Obi
Who is Obi? Obi is a friend of Mike and Alison's, who can always be relied on for a good time. That is, until he settles down after falling in love with a woman named Brenda (played by Nisha Emich).
What else has Nathan Byron been in? Byron is also known for playing Joey in the ITV sitcom Benidorm, while he co-created Sky's paramedic comedy Bloods.
Chloé Delanney plays Sophie
Who is Sophie? Sophie is a French woman who becomes the reluctant wife of Sir Humphrey Bone. Secretly, she plotted against the English crown.
What else has Chloé Delanney been in? She had a small role in Judd Apatow's Netflix comedy The Bubble.
Emma Sidi plays Eleanor
Who is Eleanor? Eleanor is a Georgian noblewoman, who takes pleasure ridiculing her adoptive sister, Kitty – not that she ever notices.
What else has Emma Sidi been in? Sidi has appeared in fellow BBC comedies Pls Like, King Gary and Starstruck. She also portrayed journalist Emily Maitlis in Prince Andrew: The Musical.
Anna Behne plays Sabine
Who is Sabine? Sabine is a French businesswoman interested in acquiring Button House, with the intention of transforming it into a golf resort.
What else has Anna Behne been in? Behne recently appeared in Prime Video sequel Your Christmas or Mine 2.
Charlie Hamblett plays Garion
Who is Garion? Garion is Sabine's assistant, who has his doubts about Button House – and its owners.
What else has Charlie Hamblett been in? Hamblett has previously featured in BBC One's Boat Story, Paramount Plus drama The Burning Girls, David Tennant's Around the World in 80 Days and spy thriller Killing Eve.
Tom Basden plays Cartwright
Who is Cartwright? Cartwright is a high-ranking officer in the British military in the period after World War II. He has an antagonistic relationship with The Captain.
What else has Tom Basden been in? Basden will be a familiar face to fans of British comedy, owing to past roles in Plebs, W1A, Fresh Meat, After Life and Here We Go.
Richard Durden plays Charles Worthing
Who is Charles? First introduced in season 1, Charles is the solicitor who assists with managing Alison and Mike's estate.
What else has Richard Durden been in? His career began in the 1960s, but recent credits include Back to Life and Star Wars: The Rise of Skywalker.
Former cast
Katy Wix plays Mary
Who is Mary? A dim-witted "witch" who was burnt at the stake in the Middle Ages. She was "sucked off" – that is to say, elevated to the next stage of the afterlife – in season 4, effectively removing her from the show.
Where have I seen Katy Wix before? She played Daisy in Not Going Out, Fergie in The Windsors, and Carole in Stath Lets Flats. Wix has made memorable guest appearances in This Time with Alan Partridge, Sherlock and Death in Paradise among others. Most recently, she co-starred in acclaimed Channel 4 sitcom Big Boys.
Comic Relief 2023 guest stars
Kylie Minogue plays herself
Who is Kylie Minogue? Kylie is a world famous pop star, known for hits including Can't Get You Out of My Head, Spinning Around and most recently Padam Padam. She arrives at Button House in search of a possible venue for a gig.
What else has Kylie Minogue been in? Before her music career took off, Minogue was known for playing Charlene Robinson on the Australian soap opera Neighbours – a character she returned to for the terrestrial finale.
She has also taken acting roles in video game adaptation Street Fighter, Dwayne Johnson disaster flick San Andreas, and BBC sci-fi drama Doctor Who.
Tanya Moodie plays Tess Ross
Who is Tess Ross? Tess is a music promoter, who works closely with Kylie Minogue.
What else has Tanya Moodie been in? Earlier this year, Moodie starred opposite Ghosts co-creator Jim Howick in Channel 4 comedy-drama The Change. She is also known for acclaimed dramas Silo and Rain Dogs as well as popular sitcom Motherland.
2022 Christmas special guest stars
Oliver Maltman plays Alexander
Who is Alexander? Alexander is a scout leader in the present day, who is friends with Pat's widow and continues the troop he once worked for.
What else has Oliver Maltman been in? Maltman played pub barman Mike in the Mitchell & Webb comedy Back. He is also known for roles in Red Dwarf, Liar, The Crown and Brexit: The Uncivil War, where he portrayed Michael Gove.
Sophie Bould plays Carol
Who is Carol? Carol was Pat's wife, before his tragic accident.
What else has Sophie Bould been in? Bould played Miss Talbot in the third season of Sex Education.
Lauren Douglin plays Andi
Who is Andi? Andi is a qualified archery tutor. She is hired as the Pat's old scouting troop don't want another life lost due to carelessness.
What else has Lauren Douglin been in? Douglin has recently appeared in Prime Video's Mammals, BBC One's Marriage and crime drama Grantchester, which also features Ghosts star Charlotte Ritchie.
Billy Byers plays Young Daley (12)
Who is Daley? One of Pat's sons.
Who is Billy Byers? Byers is a screen newcomer.
Charlie Mackinnon plays Young Daley (7)
Who is Charlie Mackinnon? Mackinnon is a screen newcomer.
2021 Christmas special guest stars
Jennifer Saunders plays Lavinia, mother to Lady Button
Who is Lavinia? Lavinia is the overbearing mother of Lady Button who is determined to see her daughter married and settled down in the near future.
What else has Jennifer Saunders been in? Saunders rose to fame as part of the Comic Strip troupe on Channel 4, later forming a double act with Dawn French.
The duo specialised sketch comedy for a number of years and later shared the screen again in BBC sitcom Jam & Jerusalem. Saunders is also known for creating the legendary sitcom Absolutely Fabulous, where she co-starred opposite Joanna Lumley.
Christopher Villiers plays Simeon, father to Lady Button
Who is Simeon? Simeon is a businessman and father to Lady Button.
What else has Christopher Villiers been in? Villiers played the role of Grayson Sinclair in ITV soap opera Emmerdale, but was written out of the show in 2008. Since then, he has appeared in The ABC Murders, The Royals and Indian Summers, among several other television programmes.
Justin Edwards plays Nicholas
Who is Nicholas? Nicholas is a homeless man who Mike and Alison find camped out on their lawn. Kitty quickly becomes convinced that he is Father Christmas.
What else has Justin Edwards been in? Edwards has worked with Armando Iannucci on both The Thick of It and US spin-off Veep, with other small screen projects including Father Brown and Murder in Successville.
2020 Christmas special guest stars
Leon Herbert plays Mike's dad, Errol
Who is Errol? Errol is Mike's father, who comes to stay at Button House with the rest of his family for Christmas. He's a kind and caring man, but his eagerness to help in all the preparations rather than simply relax proves frustrating for his son.
What else has Leon Herbert been in? Herbert's previous roles include Eutroclus in fantasy drama Outlander and Dr Kahari on BBC One's Silent Witness. He also appeared in sci-fi blockbuster Alien 3 and made his directorial debut with 2003's Emotional Backgammon.
Timmika Ramsay plays Leila
Who is Leila? Leila is one of Mike's sisters who delights in winding him up.
What else has Timmika Ramsay been in? Timmika played Sabelle on Channel 4 drama series Adult Material. She also appeared in an episode of BBC iPlayer's Enterprice, which also featured Ghosts star Kiell Smith-Bynoe.
Samantha Pearl plays Angela
Who is Angela? Angela is Mike's other sister who comes to stay for Christmas. Her partner is a paramedic working the busy Christmas shift, meaning it's down to her to look after their newborn baby.
What else has Samantha Pearl been in? Pearl's previous acting credits include Tom Hardy crime thriller Legend and BBC Three comedy Lee Nelson's Well Funny People.
Ghosts returns to BBC One at 7:45pm on Christmas Day. Catch up on iPlayer. Check out more of our Comedy coverage or visit our TV Guide and Streaming Guide to find out what’s on.
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