You’ve probably seen Jim Howick pop up in a BBC comedy without even realizing it was him — he’s been a constant presence on British television for nearly two decades as an actor, writer, and producer. This guide looks at his current projects, his role behind the camera, and the personal details fans most often ask about.
Full name: James Michael P. Howick ·
Born: 14 May 1979 ·
Notable works: Peep Show, Ghosts, Horrible Histories ·
Football team supported: Tottenham Hotspur
Quick snapshot
- Co-creator and writer of Ghosts (Mountview Academy of Theatre Arts)
- Supports Tottenham Hotspur (Tottenham Hotspur)
- 2024: Appeared in 3 Body Problem, Death in Paradise, and Murder, They Hope (IMDb)
- Filming series 4 of Here We Go scheduled for 2026 (Mountview Academy of Theatre Arts)
- Continuing as co-writer and executive producer on Ghosts (Mountview Academy of Theatre Arts)
- Series 4 of Here We Go in production for 2026 (The Independent)
The table below compiles the verified facts about Jim Howick.
| Attribute | Detail |
|---|---|
| Full name | James Michael P. Howick |
| Born | 14 May 1979 |
| Birthplace | Chichester, Sussex, England |
| Notable works | Peep Show, Ghosts, Horrible Histories |
| Football team | Tottenham Hotspur |
| Role on Ghosts | Co-creator, writer, actor |
| Character in Ghosts | Pat Butcher |
What is Jim Howick doing now?
Jim Howick is not slowing down. In 2024 alone, he took on four distinct television roles, spanning science fiction, crime drama, and comedy. His IMDb filmography shows appearances in 3 Body Problem as Harry, the Death in Paradise Christmas special as Jamie Barton, Murder, They Hope as Bernard, and Austin as Gawain (IMDb).
Note: Mountview Academy of Theatre Arts also lists him as a patron, highlighting his ongoing industry connections.
Beyond acting, Howick continues his work as a writer and executive producer. Mountview Academy of Theatre Arts, where he serves as a patron, describes him as a BAFTA-winning actor and multi-BAFTA-nominated writer who co-writes and executive-produces Ghosts (Mountview Academy of Theatre Arts).
His sitcom Here We Go is also continuing. The Guardian profiled Howick in February 2024 while he was starring in the BBC One series (The Guardian). By late 2025, The Independent confirmed the show was heading into its fourth season (The Independent).
What are Jim Howick’s current projects?
The pattern is clear: Howick is maintaining a steady output across multiple platforms. He appeared on Richard Osman’s House of Games in December 2024, with episodes airing on Christmas Eve and Boxing Day (IMDb News). His social media presence, active on Instagram as @thejimhowick and X as @JimHowick, keeps fans updated on his work.
Four new acting credits in 2024 plus ongoing writing and producing duties means Howick is working at full capacity, not coasting on past success.
The implication: Howick has successfully transitioned from a jobbing actor to a multi-hyphenate creative who can generate his own work. This is rare in British comedy, where most performers remain dependent on others for material.
What is Jim Howick’s connection to “Ghosts”?
Jim Howick is not just an actor on Ghosts — he is one of the show’s architects. Mountview describes him as co-writing and executive-producing the series, which aired on the BBC from 2019 (Mountview Academy of Theatre Arts). He also executive-produces the US adaptation (Mountview Academy of Theatre Arts).
What character does Jim Howick play in Ghosts?
In the series, Howick plays Pat Butcher, the ghost of a scout leader. The character is one of the show’s most beloved figures, known for his cheerful demeanor and tragic backstory involving an arrow through the neck.
Is Jim Howick a writer and co-creator of Ghosts?
Yes. Howick is part of the six-person creative team that developed the show, drawing on the same ensemble chemistry that made Horrible Histories a success. This behind-the-scenes role separates him from most sitcom actors, who typically have no creative control over their projects.
What this means: Howick’s creative stake in Ghosts gives him a long-term revenue stream and creative control that most actors never achieve. The US version, which has been renewed multiple times on CBS, adds an international layer to his portfolio.
Has Jim Howick been in Death in Paradise?
Yes. Howick appeared in the Death in Paradise Christmas special in 2024, playing the character Jamie Barton (IMDb). The appearance places him in one of the BBC’s most durable crime dramas, a show known for attracting notable British comedy actors in guest roles.
What episode of Death in Paradise featured Jim Howick?
The Christmas special is a significant slot in the British television calendar, often drawing large audiences. Howick’s casting in this episode indicates he remains on the radar of mainstream casting directors, not just comedy producers.
The pattern: Howick’s guest appearances across Death in Paradise, Inside No. 9, and other series show a performer who moves easily between comedy and drama, maintaining relationships across the industry.
What is Jim Howick’s real name?
Jim Howick was born James Michael P. Howick on 14 May 1979 in Chichester, Sussex. He has used the shortened form “Jim” professionally throughout his career.
Is Jim Howick a stage name?
Not exactly. “Jim” is a common diminutive of “James,” and Howick has never publicly suggested his professional name is a deliberate stage invention. It is simply the name he goes by.
Why this matters: Fans searching for “James Howick” might miss his work, but the biographical record confirms both names refer to the same person.
What football team does Jim Howick support?
Jim Howick is a Tottenham Hotspur supporter. Tottenham Hotspur’s official website has published two separate features on him, first in 2017 and again in 2022 (Tottenham Hotspur). His X profile bio describes him as a “West stand Spurs” fan (Tottenham Hotspur).
Is Jim Howick a Tottenham Hotspur fan?
Yes, and he is open about it. In the club’s 2022 interview, Howick mentioned he was “busy doing post for Ghosts 4” and would be walking his dogs and enjoying the sunshine between work (Tottenham Hotspur).
The trade-off: Supporting Spurs, a club known for near-misses and dramatic finishes, gives Howick a relatable everyman quality that fits his comedic persona.
Jim Howick’s career timeline
- 1979: Born in Chichester, Sussex.
- 2004: Appears in Hellboy.
- 2007–2012: Stars in Peep Show in various roles.
- 2009: Joins the cast of Horrible Histories.
- 2015: Stars in the film Bill.
- 2019–present: Co-creates and stars in Ghosts.
- 2022: Here We Go premieres on BBC; described by The Guardian as his latest sitcom (The Guardian).
- 2024: Appears in 3 Body Problem, Death in Paradise, Murder, They Hope, and Austin (IMDb).
- 2026: Expected to film series 4 of Here We Go (Mountview Academy of Theatre Arts).
The timeline shows Howick’s steady progression from supporting roles to creator-driven projects.
Confirmed facts and open questions
Confirmed facts
- He was born on 14 May 1979.
- He supports Tottenham Hotspur (Tottenham Hotspur).
- He co-created Ghosts (Mountview Academy of Theatre Arts).
- He appeared in Death in Paradise in 2024 (IMDb).
What’s unclear
- His full name is often cited as James Michael P. Howick, but primarily from Wikipedia (Wikipedia).
- Jim Howick’s height is not officially listed anywhere.
- His marital status is not widely reported.
- Whether he has any health problems is not publicly documented.
These facts and uncertainties highlight the balance of public and private information about Howick.
Quotes and perspectives
“Actor mostly. Co creator/writer of Ghosts. West stand Spurs.”
— Jim Howick, via his X profile bio (Tottenham Hotspur)
“Jim Howick is a BAFTA-winning actor and multi-BAFTA-nominated writer who co-writes and executive-produces Ghosts.”
— Mountview Academy of Theatre Arts (Mountview Academy of Theatre Arts)
These quotes reflect Howick’s self-deprecating humor and his focus on work.
Summary
Jim Howick has built a career on versatility — acting, writing, and producing across multiple hit shows. His role as co-creator of Ghosts and his executive production duties on the US version give him a level of creative control that most television actors never attain. For fans of British comedy, the takeaway is clear: Howick is not just a familiar face from Peep Show or Horrible Histories; he is one of the few performers who successfully made the leap from actor to creator. For aspiring comedy writers, the lesson is practical — the ensemble chemistry Howick built with his Horrible Histories collaborators became the foundation for Ghosts, proving that long-term creative partnerships can outlast any single show.
Related reading: **Stephen Mangan** · **Robert Webb**
Frequently asked questions
How old is Jim Howick?
Jim Howick was born on 14 May 1979, making him 45 years old as of 2025.
Is Jim Howick married?
Jim Howick’s marital status is not widely reported in public sources. He keeps his personal life private.
What is Jim Howick’s height?
Jim Howick’s height is not officially listed in any public database or biography.
Does Jim Howick have any health problems?
There is no public documentation of Jim Howick having any health problems. This information is not part of his public profile.
What role did Jim Howick play in Hellboy?
Jim Howick appeared in the 2004 film Hellboy, directed by Guillermo del Toro. His role was a minor character in the film.
Did Jim Howick appear in Peep Show?
Yes. Jim Howick appeared in Peep Show between 2007 and 2012, playing various characters in the Channel 4 sitcom.
Does Jim Howick sing?
Yes. Jim Howick has sung in several roles, most notably in Horrible Histories, where musical numbers were a regular feature of the show.
Oliver Jack Carter Cooper is a staff writer for EveningLedger.uk, covering UK news, politics, business and culture. He works under Editor-in-Chief Edward Langley and Managing Editor Charlotte Reeves, following the newsroom standards for sourcing, verification and fact-checking set out in our editorial policies.