It was the question we got asked more than anything.
Warning: contains spoilers for Ghosts series five, episode five Carpe Diem.
It couldnt be a joke.
That was one rule laid down by theGhostscreators when it came to choosing a first name for Willbonds character.
It was the question we got asked more thananything.
His name, actor and writerLarry RickardtellsDen of Geek.
We were fuelling the fire because we knew at some point wed tell them.
After years of guessing, clue-spotting and debate,Ghostsrevealed that The Captains first name is James.
At the same time, we also learned that James colleague Lieutenant Havers first name was Anthony.
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The ordinariness of those two names, says Rickard, is the point.
It shouldnt be Cormoran or Endeavour.
They should just be some mens names and theyre important tothem.
The point was that they were everyday.
It almost comes down to looking at the faces of the characters and saying, whats right?
For a long time I kept thinking Duncan and James, and then I was like ah no!
That would have turned it into a gag and been awful!
Inescapably in the minds of a certain generation, Duncan James is a member ofnoughties boyband Blue.
Maybe with Anthony I was thinking of Anthony Costa!
Rickard says in mock horror, referencing another member of the band.
Getting the balance right of what The Captain does and doesnt say was key to the episode.
There wasnt an option there to explore the things that either of them felt.
Nothing is missed, he says.
Early on, youre always thinking, is that going to get across?
Particularly in that very short exchange between Havers and the Captain.
The team were also grateful theyd resisted the temptation to tellThe Captains storysooner.
What aridiculouslynormal name to have so much weight put on it for five years, laughs Rickard fondly.
Ghosts series fiveis available to stream now on BBC iPlayer.
