Mathew Baynton: Biography, Career, and Notable Works

There’s a reason British comedy fans perk up when Mathew Baynton’s name appears in the credits. As the co-creator and star of the beloved sitcom Ghosts, a core member of Horrible Histories, and co-writer of the 2023 film Wonka, he has become one of the most versatile creative forces in modern British television. His comedy collective, Them There (also known as the Six Idiots), has been responsible for some of the most inventive comedy of the past decade (Bleeding Cool (entertainment news outlet)). This article traces his journey from Essex to the heights of British comedy, exploring the roles, the writing credits, and the collaborations that define his career.

Born: 18 November 1980 (age 44) · Occupation: Actor, comedian, musician, writer · Known for: Ghosts, Horrible Histories, Wonka · Member of: Them There collective · Spouse: Kelly Robinson

Six facts that paint the picture: Baynton’s career in numbers and milestones.

What is Mathew Baynton most famous for?

Mathew Baynton is best known as the co-creator and star of the BBC sitcom Ghosts (2019–2023), a show that “picked up from where Horrible Histories and later Yonderland left off,” according to the Royal Television Society (industry body). Before Ghosts, he was a core performer and writer on the award-winning children’s sketch show Horrible Histories on CBBC (Wikipedia). Alongside his comedy collective Them There, he also co-created and starred in Yonderland (2013–2016) and the BBC Two comedy thriller The Wrong Mans (2013–2014) (IMDb).

Which characters did Mathew Baynton create?

In Ghosts, Baynton plays three main characters: the poet Thomas Thorne, the caveman Robin, and the plague witch Mary. Each role demanded a different physical and vocal performance, showcasing his range as an actor. His creation of the bumbling Regency poet Thomas is particularly beloved by fans.

What is Mathew Baynton’s role in Horrible Histories?

On Horrible Histories, Baynton appeared in hundreds of sketches, playing everyone from King Henry VIII to William Shakespeare. The show’s success on CBBC earned the team a BAFTA Children’s Award. Rose Bruford College (drama school) describes Baynton as “an actor, singer, and writer of the Horrible Histories series.” It was here that the creative synergy of the future Them There collective first emerged.

Did Mathew Baynton write Wonka?

Yes, Mathew Baynton was one of the co-writers of the 2023 film Wonka, alongside Simon Farnaby, Paul King, and others (Wikipedia). The film, starring Timothée Chalamet as a young Willy Wonka, was a commercial hit and gave Baynton his first major feature film writing credit. He also appears in the film in a minor role.

Who wrote the Wonka 2023 film?

The screenplay was crafted by Paul King and Simon Farnaby, based on a story by Paul King. The writing team included Baynton, who contributed to character development and comedic set pieces. Prior to this, Baynton co-wrote the 2015 comedy Bill, a historical romp about Shakespeare that the Them There collective developed after Horrible Histories (IMDb).

What other films has Mathew Baynton written?

Aside from Wonka and Bill, Baynton has focused primarily on television writing. He contributed to the scripts for Yonderland and Ghosts, both of which were created by the Them There collective. The group’s film output remains limited, but Wonka marks a significant step into mainstream cinema.

Who did Mathew Baynton play in Gavin and Stacey?

Baynton appeared in a single episode of the hit sitcom Gavin and Stacey in 2009, playing a character called “Spin-off Gavin” – a fictional actor auditioning for a spin-off show within the series (Wikipedia). It was a brief cameo, but it placed him in one of the most beloved British comedies of the era.

Did Mathew Baynton have a major role in Gavin and Stacey?

No, his role was minor. The episode, titled “Christmas Special” (series 3, episode 5), featured Baynton only in a short scene. He has since joked about the part in interviews, noting that it was a fun, surreal experience. His filmography includes much more substantial roles in The Wrong Mans, You, Me and the Apocalypse, and Ghosts (IMDb).

What other TV shows has Mathew Baynton acted in?

Baynton’s television credits are extensive. He played the lead in The Wrong Mans (co-starring James Corden), appeared in the apocalyptic comedy You, Me and the Apocalypse, and guest-starred in shows like Inside No. 9 and Taskmaster. He also had a recurring role in the US adaptation of Ghosts, appearing in the episode “Dumb Deaths” (Ghosts Wiki (fan community)).

The pattern: Baynton gravitates toward ensemble comedies where character work and writing interplay. His cameo in Gavin and Stacey hints at the web of connections that link the modern British comedy scene – a network that also includes Hugh Dennis and Diane Morgan, both of whom have crossed paths with Baynton on various projects.

Are Mathew Baynton and Daisy May Cooper related?

No, Mathew Baynton and Daisy May Cooper are not related. Despite both being prominent figures in British comedy, there is no familial connection. Baynton’s family, as documented on his Wikipedia page, includes his wife Kelly Robinson and their children; Daisy May Cooper does not appear. The two have worked together on the BBC series The Cleaner, but that is a professional collaboration, not a family tie.

Are James Corden and Mathew Baynton friends?

Yes, Baynton and James Corden have been friends and collaborators for years. They worked together on Horrible Histories (Corden appeared as a guest) and later co-starred in The Wrong Mans, which Baynton co-created. The show was a BBC Two success and demonstrated their comic chemistry (IMDb).

Is James Corden a nice person in real life?

While public opinions on James Corden vary, Baynton has spoken positively about him in interviews. There is no reported friction between them; in fact, they have maintained a friendly relationship long after The Wrong Mans ended. Baynton also remains on good terms with Mathew Horne, despite rumored tensions between Horne and Corden. The exact nature of that fallout is unclear, but Baynton has managed to stay neutral.

Did James Corden fall out with Mathew Horne?

Reports have suggested a rift between Corden and Horne following their work on Gavin and Stacey, but neither party has confirmed details. Baynton, who is friends with both, has not commented publicly on the matter. The trade-off: Baynton’s ability to maintain friendships across comedy circles speaks to his professional diplomacy.

Why did the Six Idiots leave Horrible Histories?

The comedy collective known as the Six Idiots (also called Them There) – consisting of Mathew Baynton, Simon Farnaby, Jim Howick, Ben Willbond, Laurence Rickard, and Martha Howe-Douglas – left Horrible Histories after series 5 in 2013. The decision was driven by a desire to create original work rather than continue adapting existing books (Bleeding Cool).

Who are the Six Idiots?

The Six Idiots is the affectionate name given to the six core performers and writers of Horrible Histories who later formed the production company Them There. Their partnership began on the show and has endured for over a decade. In addition to the five main male members – Baynton, Farnaby, Howick, Willbond, and Rickard – the group includes actress Martha Howe-Douglas (Royal Television Society).

What other projects did the group create?

After leaving Horrible Histories, the collective developed Yonderland (2013–2016) for Sky1, a fantasy comedy series that they wrote and starred in together. They then created Ghosts (2019–2023) for BBC One, which became their biggest success. They also produced the film Bill (2015), a prequel to Shakespeare’s works, and continue to announce new projects (Rose Bruford College).

Timeline: Mathew Baynton’s career milestones

• 1980 – Born in Southend-on-Sea, Essex.
• 2009 – Joins Horrible Histories as a cast member and writer.
• 2013 – Co-creates and stars in The Wrong Mans and Yonderland; leaves Horrible Histories.
• 2015 – Co-writes and stars in the film Bill.
• 2019 – Co-creates and stars in Ghosts (BBC One).
• 2023 – Co-writes Wonka, his first major feature film writing credit.

The arc is clear: from sketch show performer to sitcom writer-producer to Hollywood screenwriter. Each step built on the last.

Voices from the industry

Ghosts picked up from where Horrible Histories and later Yonderland left off.

Royal Television Society, profile of Mathew Baynton

An actor, singer, and writer of the Horrible Histories series.

Rose Bruford College, staff profile

His talents include roles ranging from William Shakespeare in Bill to county-council planning and noise guidance content.

HHUSH (voiceover agency), artist biography

For anyone following British comedy over the past decade, Mathew Baynton is a figure who keeps showing up in the right places – not by accident, but by design. His willingness to write as much as he performs has given him creative autonomy that few actors enjoy. For fans of Ghosts and Horrible Histories, the next move from Baynton and the Them There collective is the most anticipated project in British comedy. For the broader industry, his trajectory is a template: own your content, build your team, and don’t be afraid to play the villain.

For a deeper look into his personal life and early influences, read Mathew Bayntons career and family.

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