Having confirmed earlier this year that the much-loved comedy Ghosts would be coming to an end after the upcoming fifth and final series, the team behind the show have today announced that there will in fact be a Christmas special.

The Ghosts team posted on social media: “The final series of Ghosts starts on Friday... but there might be one last present under the Christmas tree this year #BBCGhosts”

Ghosts has become a television highlight of the Christmas period with 2022’s special securing 5.9 million viewers, making it the biggest comedy of the year.

Last year’s Christmas special was warmly received:

Steve Bennett, Chortle – “This adorable comedy has quickly become a Christmas staple.”

Carol Midgley, The Times – “That the former Horrible Histories team continues to make something genuinely funny that appeals equally to adults and children in this era signifies a truly rare skill.”

Rebecca Nicholson, The Guardian – “We’re all better off with this joyful sitcom in our lives.”

David Craig, Radio Times – “Ghosts is still among the most purely fun shows on British television, but this year's festive episode packs a heavy punch by acknowledging the utter tragedy in its premise.”

The fifth and final series of Ghosts starts Friday 6 October at 8.30pm on BBC One and will be available as a boxset on BBC iPlayer.