In the fourth season of the BBC’s sitcom Ghosts, fans were surprised and saddened to see Mary, a longstanding ghost resident of Button House, played by Katy Wix, sucked off, the term for when a ghost finds closure or peace, allowing them to leave the haunted mansion.
Her ‘sucked off’ became one of the most talked-about scenes in Ghosts Season 4.
Mary’s exit struck a poignant chord, sparking speculation and debate about why the character left, even as the show is full of slapstick hauntings and witty one-liners.
Mary’s character
Mary, one of Ghost’s most endearing spirits, is instantly recognisable for her soot-stained face, ancient rural vocabulary, and hesitant manner.
Mary’s character, a country woman burned as a supposed witch in the 17th century, embodies the absurdity and sadness at the centre of the series.
Her confusion about close friendships with other spirits, particularly Pat and Kitty, as well as modern life, made her a favourite among many fans.
The on-screen goodbye
Mary’s exit unfolded gently in Ghost Season 4 episode 4. In the episode, she is dressed in a golden glow and floats into the sky, leaving other ghosts grieving her absence.
Additionally, in her last episode, Mary seeks closure after struggling to find answers about her life and feeling increasingly out of place.
In her previous life, she was a peasant who died in the 17th century after being accused of witchcraft and burned at the stake.
In episode 4, when explaining to other ghosts why she was stuck at the haunted mansion, burdened by guilt, she stated, “She took the warp for someone else.”
Ghosts’ showrunners seem to have deliberately caused the sudden exit to illustrate that even ghosts might one day move without warning.
Reasons behind the departure
While the Ghosts storyline offered closure for Mary, fans immediately wondered if there was more behind her sudden exit.
According to reports, Katy Wix decided to leave after five seasons due to her busy schedule with multiple roles, including developing new shows and writing.
In an interview with Radio Times, Ghosts showrunner, co-creator, and captain actor Ben Willbond revealed that Katy and the production team negotiated how Mary’s departure would be handled.
“We spent a lot of time figuring out how to do it sensitively and carefully, and we negotiated with Katy about how we would end that appearance on the show,” he revealed.
Further, Willbond revealed that allowing a major ghost to move on was a way to refresh the ensemble dynamic and remind viewers that, even within supernatural comedy, change and emotional growth are inevitable.
Mary’s exit’s impact on its audience
Mary’s departure left a clear emotional mark. Many fans took to social media to express their sadness, appreciating how “Ghosts” navigated grief and joy with equal measure.
“I was, too! I kept expecting her to come back, but when Alison painted that picture of her, I knew it wasn’t going to happen,” a user said on Reddit
Another user added, “I think even if Katy Wix does have another opportunity to move on to (pun not intended but welcomed), Mary made the most sense to be ‘sucked off’.
She’s had the most character development, and I think having one of the ghosts finally get enough closure for their soul to be at rest adds a bit of depth to the show.”