Ghosts star Mathew Baynton to make Royal Shakespeare Company debut

The Ghosts star and co-writer said he "couldn't be more excited" to join the cast at the RSC.

He continued: "I've always wanted to be part of a Shakespeare production and I've been hoping to return to the stage for quite some time too, so to be able to combine those two ambitions in one of the great ensemble comedies is a (midsummer night's) dream come true.

"Bottom is, of course, an absolute treat of a role, so I can't wait to get started."

Casting for the rest of play is yet to be announced.

Director Eleanor Rhode said of Baynton's casting: "I'm thrilled to be returning to the RSC to direct A Midsummer Night's Dream. It's a play that made a big impact on me from a young age, and I'm excited to share it with a new generation of theatre-goers.

"Mathew Baynton is going to be an incredible Bottom – I've loved his work for years, and so it's a real joy to be able to collaborate with him on bringing this magical play to life."

Baynton is currently starring as the beloved poet Thomas Thorne in the fifth and final season of BBC's Ghosts.

It was announced in March of this year that Ghosts would end after season 5.

In a statement from Mathew Baynton, Simon Farnaby, Martha Howe-Douglas, Jim Howick, Laurence Rickard and Ben Willbond, the creators said: "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.

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"...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, BBC One 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."

Ghosts seasons 1-5 are available to stream on BBC iPlayer.

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