Fans of the beloved comedy series Ghosts are in for an unexpected treat this holiday season as the show’s team announces a Christmas special, despite earlier confirming the end of the series after the upcoming fifth season.

The Ghosts team took to social media to share the exciting news, stating, “The final series of Ghosts starts on Friday… but there might be one last present under the Christmas tree this year #BBCGhosts.”

Ghosts has established itself as a Christmas television highlight, with the 2022 special attracting a substantial audience of 5.9 million viewers, making it the standout comedy of the year.

The Christmas special from the previous year received warm praise from critics and viewers alike. Steve Bennett of Chortle described the comedy as “an adorable Christmas staple,” while Carol Midgley of The Times commended the former Horrible Histories team for creating something “genuinely funny” that appeals to both adults and children.

Rebecca Nicholson from The Guardian expressed the sentiment that “we’re all better off with this joyful sitcom in our lives,” and David Craig of Radio Times acknowledged Ghosts as “still among the most purely fun shows on British television.”

The fifth and final series of Ghosts is set to commence on Friday, October 6, at 8:30 pm on BBC One. Following its broadcast, the series will be available as a box set on BBC iPlayer. As fans prepare for the last hurrah of the regular series, the unexpected Christmas special promises to add an extra dose of laughter and joy to the festive season.