Why Mary and Sheila really left Ghosts

It’s not every day you get a US sitcom that actually lives up to its British inspiration, but with Ghosts, CBS apparently decided ‘let’s give it a proper go’ – and it's done so well, it’s actually outlasted the original. The British Ghosts wrapped up in 2023 with a Christmas special, while the American version is still rattling on with a sixth season in the pipeline. If you’ve been keeping up, you’ll know both shows have a knack for killing off (well, spiriting away) fan favourites, and naturally, viewers want to know: why did these characters vanish – and was it a behind-the-scenes drama?

British Ghosts vs. American Ghosts: The Haunted House Exports

The basics are essentially the same on both sides of the pond: you’ve got a couple who inherit a shabby country house positively riddled with ghosts from various eras. In the UK version, it’s Alison (Charlotte Ritchie) and Mike (Kiell Smith-Bynoe) muddling through spectral nonsense at Button House. Across the Atlantic, they just swap in Sam (Rose McIver) and Jay (Utkarsh Ambudkar) for a similar set-up, with one member of the pair seeing dead people, and the other just assuming their spouse is one full night’s sleep away from a complete breakdown.

If you’re keeping track of the ghosts themselves, British fans grew very attached to Mary Guppy – a peasant burned at the stake on witchy charges – while US audiences took a shine to Flower, a blissed-out hippie who met her end trying to embrace (literally) a bear. Both exited their shows, and both have raised plenty of eyebrows as to why.

Mary Guppy: Exit by Ascension, Backstage by Booking Conflicts

Mary Guppy (Katy Wix) was in the game right from the pilot of the British series, standing out as a sort of long-suffering matriarch among the bickering spirits. Her actual cause of death – medieval witch-burning – doesn’t sound like prime comedy turf, but Wix turned her into a loveably neurotic presence, always worrying about ‘the smell’ and being genuinely caring, in her own odd way.

The twist? Mary was actually the first major ghost to leave the house. In series 4, episode 4 (‘Gone Gone’), she’s suddenly hoovered up into the afterlife by a literal beam of light, leaving the other ghosts properly bereft. Fans were gutted, especially as it wasn’t foreshadowed at all.

If that felt abrupt, so did the decision-making. Via the Ghosts Podcast, co-creator Ben Willbond revealed that there was never a plan to kick anyone off – it just happened. The actual reason isn’t remotely mysterious: Katy Wix had a diary so rammed even the most seasoned PA would balk. In 2023 alone, she popped up in a sizeable supporting spot on Ted Lasso, plus a lead in Channel 4’s Big Boys, not to mention a turn in TV drama Men Up. The Ghosts crew told Radio Times:

"We were so lucky to have Katy Wix with us in Button House for four fun-filled series. She, ironically, breathed life into the role of Mary, as only Katy could, making her into such a unique, hilarious, and popular character. We're sad to see her go but can't wait to see what she does next."

Flower: From Psychedelic Gags to Parental Leave

The American version’s major departure came with Flower (Sheila Carrasco). Introduced as a 1960s free spirit whose hobby was trespassing on private government land and hugging wild animals, she brought both comic gold and a hazy, loveable sort of chaos to the ghostly group. When anyone passes through her, they end up tripping (chemically, not physically) – which is a solid running gag.

For a chunk of season 3, Flower is nowhere to be found after wandering off into the woods. Her mates presume she’s gone ‘to the light’ and hold a heartfelt search. Except – curveball! – she’s just stuck down a well and rescued by Hetty, thanks to the world’s least cheery telephone cord. Slightly less fantastical than the original, but well within the show’s comfort zone.

Actress Sheila Carrasco, however, left for reasons a fair bit more wholesome than a jam-packed professional calendar: she was on maternity leave. She announced back in July 2023 that she was five months pregnant, with the Instagram reveal caught on camera by castmate Roman Zaragoza. The outpouring was appropriately gushy, with co-star Danielle Pinnock giddily volunteering as ‘rich auntie’. Carrasco spoke candidly to fans about her previous fertility struggles:

"Words can't express our excitement, gratitude, and pure JOY!! I love this baby so much already my heart could explode. I can't wait to raise a child with this wildly loving man. I am so happy!! If you're struggling with fertility, I hope this post can give you HOPE. And feel free to reach out to me cuz I get it… and so do 1 in 5 women. You are not alone."

How the Main Casts Break Down

• UK Ghosts: Alison (Charlotte Ritchie), Mike (Kiell Smith-Bynoe), Mary (Katy Wix), plus a whole host of period ghosts played by the core ensemble
• US Ghosts: Sam (Rose McIver), Jay (Utkarsh Ambudkar), Flower (Sheila Carrasco), and another set of time-travelling hauntings unique to the CBS writing room

With one character disappearing into a celestial sunbeam and another off for sleepless nights of a very different sort, Ghosts proves there’s more than one way to say goodbye – both on set and off.