{"id":39090,"date":"2023-11-03T22:00:30","date_gmt":"2023-11-03T21:00:30","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.radiotimes.com\/?p=1919618"},"modified":"2023-11-04T18:05:15","modified_gmt":"2023-11-04T17:05:15","slug":"ghosts-star-opens-up-on-co-writing-the-captains-coming-out-episode","status":"publish","type":"rss_feed","link":"https:\/\/c01.purpledshub.com\/radiotimes\/rss_feed\/ghosts-star-opens-up-on-co-writing-the-captains-coming-out-episode\/","title":{"rendered":"Ghosts star opens up on co-writing The Captain\u2019s coming out episode"},"content":{"rendered":"

Laurence Rickard discussed the one we’ve all been waiting for. <\/p>

By David Craig\n \t\t<\/p>

Published: Friday, 03 November 2023 at 21:00 PM<\/p>

\n\n

Fan favourite Ghosts<\/a> character The Captain (Ben Willbond) has finally come out to the spirits of Button House \u2013 and episode co-writer Laurence Rickard has given us exclusive insight into how the storyline came together.<\/p>\n

This particular pay-off has been a long time coming, as The Captain\u2019s sexuality has been hinted at and joked about numerous times over preceding seasons.<\/p>\n

The creators had promised fans they would get what they\u2019ve been waiting for<\/a> in season 5 \u2013 and they delivered just that in tonight\u2019s penultimate episode, which gave us an emotional flashback to the end of the Second World War.<\/p>\n

At that time, The Captain returned to his old post at Button House for a celebratory party, only to be turned away as the event was only open to those who had served on the frontlines.<\/p>\n

He snuck in regardless, as he was desperate to be reunited with former second-in-command Lieutenant Havers (Peter Sandys-Clarke), with whom he had developed a romantic connection years earlier.<\/p>

Sadly, he was confronted by two servicemen who recognised him as an imposter, with their barrage of questions causing a panic-stricken heart attack. Havers held The Captain\u2019s hand as he drifted away, acknowledging their feelings for one another.<\/p>\n

Laurence Rickard, who co-wrote season 5 episode 5 \u2013 titled Carpe Diem \u2013 spoke to RadioTimes.com<\/a> to mark the launch of Ghosts: The Button House Archives<\/a>, an official companion book featuring historical documents from the world of the show.<\/p>\n

He explained The Captain\u2019s fate was decided \u201creally early on\u201d, but a lot of thought was put into the timing of the reveal.<\/p>\n

\u201cIt had to feel earned so it didn\u2019t feel trite, but also the weight that came with it seemed to be greater the more you knew The Captain,\u201d he explained.<\/p>\n

\u201cBecause on the surface, he\u2019s such a dry, uptight character. I think he was one of those where it took a few series for you to really see the warmth come through. And so I\u2019m glad we waited as long as we did.\u201d<\/p>\n

\"A\n<\/source><\/source><\/source><\/source><\/source><\/source><\/source><\/source><\/source><\/source><\/source><\/source><\/source><\/source><\/picture>\n<\/div>
Ben Willbond stars in Ghosts.<\/span><\/figcaption> BBC\/Monumental\/Guido Mandozzi<\/i><\/span><\/div>\n

Rickard continued: \u201cBen had quite a clear idea of what he wanted to do with it, and it was one of those really easy pitches. Once he said it, everyone went, \u2018Yeah, that\u2019s perfect.\u2019<\/p>\n

\u201cAnd we knew we wanted Havers to be back. It was a lovely set to be on, seeing that whole house decked out like it was 1945. Both their performances are really good, and all of the guest stars that we had in it.\u201d<\/p>\n

He added: \u201cIt\u2019s something that turned out even better than we hoped.\u201d<\/p>\n

In a heartwarming development, The Captain is embraced by his fellow Ghosts, with Lady Button showing how far she\u2019s come by being first to support him. (Fans will remember her initial disapproval of LGBTQ+ people, which dissipated after a gay wedding was hosted at Button House.)<\/p>\n

Martha Howe-Douglas explained: \u201cI think her relationship with The Captain has evolved massively over the five series. They\u2019ve got quite an affinity now and that\u2019s a really poignant moment when she calls him \u2018brave\u2019.\u201d<\/p>\n

Ghosts seasons 1-5 are available to stream on BBC iPlayer. Check out more of our Comedy<\/a> coverage or visit our TV Guide<\/a> and Streaming Guide<\/a> to find out what\u2019s on.<\/strong><\/p>\n

Try Radio Times magazine today and get 10 issues for only \u00a310 \u2013\u00a0<\/b>subscribe now<\/a><\/b> and celebrate the 60th anniversary of Doctor Who with a special issue of Radio Times. <\/b>For more from the biggest stars in TV, listen to\u00a0<\/b>The Radio Times Podcast<\/a><\/b>.<\/b><\/p> <\/body><\/html>\n

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