Ghosts: Brought to Life: Behind the scenes of the BBC’s celebrated television series

by Mathew Baynton, Simon Farnaby, Martha Howe-Douglas

Calling all Ghosts fans! This is the ultimate celebratory gift book for all of you in desperate need of another Ghosts fix, complete with in-depth interviews with the actors, the directors and the crew, a behind-the-curtain peek at what happened on the film set, scenes that were left on the cutting-room floor, bloopers, episode guides and character profiles, and much, much more.

Collated and written by the show's beloved creators-actors-writers - Mat Baynton, Simon Farnaby, Martha Howe-Douglas, Jim Howick, Laurence Rickard and Ben Willbond - this is a hilarious and amazing profusion of stories, memories and secrets that will help fill that Ghosts-shaped hole.

From understanding how the ghosts walked through walls to discovering how long it took to do Robin's make-up, and from learning who stole what from the set to reliving favourite moments, Brought to Life is a treasure-trove of fascinating insight into the makings of this comedy legend, a series that brought families together and touched people's lives.

Genres: Nonfiction, Comedy, Humor

214 pages, Kindle Edition

First published October 24, 2024

Reviews

[Tristram · Rating 5 out of 5]

(4.5 stars) I am going to miss this show so much. This book is great for anyone who really likes Ghosts. There is information about the initial creation of the programme, the characters, and then each episode. I was happy to get a little inside look at how the team made the show and a lot of interesting and funny bits of trivia - my favourite probably being Jim Howick's passport photo with the Pat 'stache or Mat's Mick improvs! I do wish there was more content though. Some episodes only got a single spread when I felt they deserved a lot more, being pivotal moments in some of the character's developments.

I can't really complain too much, because I'm just glad to get anything extra now with it having ended. Maybe we will see some more stuff in the future? Hopefully!

[Frankie · Rating 5 out of 5]

ben willbond stop being the love of my life challenge, difficulty: impossible

[alicesarchives · Rating 5 out of 5]

If you are a fan of the show you will just love this. I found a lot of comfort in this show during the last year and completely adored it! I was of course a fan of Horrible Histories and Yonderland growing up and felt this was just the cherry on the top. I will to this day watch anything with this cast in as they hold such nostalgia.

I really enjoyed the trivia and extra behind the scenes touches which have been included. You can see the absolute outpouring of love which was put into this show.

What was great was the actors heartfelt discussions about scenes especially filming during Covid. I now really want to visit the filming locations 😅All I can really say is if you miss the show or are having a bad day pick it up it was fantastic!

[Theodor Tandrup · Rating 5 out of 5]

I miss this show, but it's always fun to look behind the scenes.

[Lily Newstead · Rating 5 out of 5]

Serves its purpose
Cute little read about Ghosts, very interesting trivia and behind the scenes facts
Made me nostalgic for a show that only finished last year, so I think it was pretty good

[Liv Cornelius · Rating 5 out of 5]

I love this show so much.

The writing, VFX, production, costume, absolutely everything is just so cleverly and intentionally written. I just love it.

[Kellie · Rating 5 out of 5]

Absolutely delightful companion piece to the show, filled with so much fun trivia and behind-the-scenes info! 10/10, made me wanna rewatch immediately.

[han · Rating 5 out of 5]

i miss this show so much

[Julia · Rating 5 out of 5]

The perfect book for any Ghosts fan. Lots of behind the scenes tit bits, like how they came up with the idea, the characters, the writing process, how they filmed it ... I'll be re-watching it through fresh eyes now knowing what has gone into making it.

[Amelia · Rating 4 out of 5]

Interesting to see how much does go into a show, and how much love the writers and actors had for this show that was brilliant. I wanted a lot more expansion on some of the episodes but obviously the book would be a million pages long if they went into every tiny detail, but felt it could've done with some more behind the scenes pictures. Loved the slate art, that's really cute! I loved this show and the gang, so great to get more info and relive it all.

[Sohxpie · Rating 5 out of 5]

I really loved this book! It's such a sweet insight into the creation of Ghosts. I enjoyed finding out how certain characters and plot lines were devised and brought to life. If you've already watched the show, it's not a surprise how amazing The Six Idiots are. This book only confirms that tenfold. What was especially interesting to me was the writing partnerships among the group, I wasn't surprised by it because it just makes sense. I enjoyed the overall in-depth look at the series and now need to go and re-watch it!

[Chloe Nielson · Rating 5 out of 5]

So interesting to read about the behind of the scenes of one of my favourite comfort shows. the details behind each episode and how they achieved certain shots and effects was so cool. I just love this cast and show so much, reading more into the show felt so comforting. it was emotional to finish because it just reminds me that the show has ended, but it's so re-watchable. It doesn't matter how many times I watch it, it still makes me laugh / cry. reading about their final day on set was emotional. I'm really excited for what projects they might bring out in the future.

[Meg · Rating 5 out of 5]

I've always loved this sort of behind-the-scenes making of book, and this one does not disappoint. Each episode and special has its own spread (sometimes more!) with background info, ideation, production photos, design diagrams, and episode stills. Although I wish there had been room for much more, it's a good level of depth without being overwhelming. I miss this show so much, but it's nice to now be able to revisit it in book form.

[Rudhmellowen · Rating 5 out of 5]

I said it the last time I read a book about this TV series, but this is a must have for any fan of the UK series of Ghosts.
It was a brilliant look behind the scenes, a sharing of insights into the creativity of the writing of this brilliant series.
While reading I remembered back to my visit to the house, stopping to watch bloopers and now eager to binge watch it all over again!
Another brilliant book to add to a Ghost fans collection!

[michelle · Rating 5 out of 5]

i’ve always been one for behind the scenes stuff, so i am so happy and grateful the creators of ghosts decided to write this book. i have been to west horsley place twice so far and it really it is as beautiful as in the show, if not more. this book is a wonderful insight into the creation of bbc ghosts and how it all came to be, i love these 6 idiots.

[Fiona Thompson · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is a perfect reminder of a gem of a show - had me in tears by the end, just like the final Christmas special. Such a joyful book, full of stories of the show's creation, the thinking behind it, and a reference to each episode. Brilliant - and I can't wait to see what this gang comes up with next.

[Beth · Rating 5 out of 5]

I am going to miss this show so much! It was such a comfort show and it’s really nice to go behind the scenes and see how it was all put together! This was a lovely Christmas day read and made me very happy as I got to hear all about the ridiculous anecdotes and minor trivialities is behind one of my favourite comfort series! I would recommend this book to anyone who is a fan of ghosts or anyone who just wants to learn more about the show. It was well written and I loved all of the pictures selected! I would’ve preferred a little bit more to be written on each of the characters and some of the major lines, but I understand you can’t put too much in a book! But this was a lovely read and I thoroughly recommend it!

[lucy snow · Rating 4 out of 5]

a really really interesting and poignant review of the process of making ghosts! one of my favourite all time programmes and i will miss it forever.

i especially enjoyed the discussion of costuming for each of the different characters, and learning that they initially wanted to multi-role just like horrible histories!!

the little storyboards and script bits were really cool too. very fun!

[Lynne · Rating 4 out of 5]

Brilliant companion to last year's 'The Button Archives' and a great anthology of character notes, technical information regarding costume, SFX etc. Perfect for anyone who adores possibly the funniest thing on TV in the last five years. Who could fail to love Robin the Caveman, Pat the Scoutmaster or sensitive Captain?

[Amelie Lawson · Rating 5 out of 5]

I love Ghosts. I think I probably always will, and this will be a show which I forever revisit. I have now purchased and read both The Button House Archives and this book (Brought To Life) and I feel they have added to the joy of the show really nicely.
Well done and thank you to all those involved with the making of this universe.

[Gueniver · Rating 4 out of 5]

I loved learning about all the various shooting days but I think each time someone interjected it just felt like they were saying the same thing. I think it would have been more beneficial of specific people taking the reins of each section more than only in their character related sections

[Sian · Rating 5 out of 5]

Only the Ghosts/HH gang can make me cry and laugh in equal measure and be so clever and thoughtful in the way they do it. Getting an insight into how they manage to do it so well makes this book an absolute treasure. I can’t wait to see what the gang comes up with next!

[Scarlett · Rating 5 out of 5]

Im just not okay, i am just gonna come right out and say it, i understand there reasons for ending the show when they did, But why did they have to end the show!!!!!!! It meant everything to me and now this book will mean everything to me

[Saskia Egeland-Jensen · Rating 5 out of 5]

I love these people and I love this show, and this was an amazing way to see more behind the scenes and find out more about the making of the show. I can’t drop it a star, but I only wish the book was longer!

[Nico · Rating 5 out of 5]

[T]he scene was cut to help balance the story, which is exactly why I only ever put 50 per cent of my natural ability into any acting role.

finding out the solicitor's office scenes were also filmed in Button House was the biggest shock i've ever received in my life

[David · Rating 4 out of 5]

A very thoughtful Christmas present that I was able to dip into now and again. Lots of stories from the creators of this wonderful series and some great photos. Each episode of the five series is given it's own particular space. Just slightly repetitive on occasion but overall a splendid idea.

[Emma Louise · Rating 5 out of 5]

I adore this tv show and I adore this book. Getting an insight into the writing, the filming, the characters, the house, the show. I feel privileged to have read this book and dived deeper into the world of Ghosts.

[Charlotte · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book is so good

[Rachael Mills · Rating 4 out of 5]

Fans of the show will love this peek behind the curtain.

[Jago_bago · Rating 5 out of 5]

5/5
It’s been almost a year since the series ended, and I still miss them all so much. MY TEARS ARE BECOMING A SEA