Image Credit: Sheryl Nields/Grant Wilson

The announcement last night that Ghost Hunters‘ co-lead investigator Grant Wilson will be departing the series translated into a big ratings win for the show’s winter finale.

Last night’s hour-long episode drew 2.2 million total viewers, the show’s highest ratings in 15 months. In adults 18-49, Ghost Hunters drew 1.1 million, making it the series’ top performance in that measure since October and a season high. That 18-49 number reflects grown of 36 percent from the last finale episode, on Dec. 7.

Wilson told the audience last night that he would be leaving the show after the upcoming season. “It is with mixed emotion that I am announcing my departure from the cast of Ghost Hunters,” he said. “While paranormal investigating has always been and will remain a passion for me, after enjoying nearly eight successful seasons on television, I have made the decision to leave the series in order to focus on other aspects of my personal life.”

Wilson isn’t totally done yet, though: He’ll figure into six new episodes, beginning in April, culminating with a final new episode of Ghost Hunters on Wednesday, May 16 at 9 p.m. Twenty new episodes of the series remain for 2012. Taking Ghost Hunters timeslot in the interim is — not shockingly — Ghost Hunters International, which returns to SyFy on Feb. 22 with seven new episodes.

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‘Ghost Hunters’ investigator Grant Wilson exits