Fans of the beloved sitcom Gavin and Stacey had been waiting five long years for closure, and the Christmas Day special of 2024 finally delivered. The highly anticipated finale drew the highest Christmas Day ratings since 2008, with 12.3 million viewers tuning in, beating the and last Christmas special which garnered 11.6 million viewers. This episode showcased character developments and resolved cliffhangers, proving to be the unmissable TV event of the year.
The evening began with Stacey Shipman (Joanna Page) and her husband Gavin (Mathew Horne) preparing for what viewers presumed was the wedding of Smithy (James Corden) and Nessa (Ruth Jones). But as the story unfolded, it was revealed to be Smithy’s wedding to Sonia, played by Laura Aikman. This was the exact moment viewers learned Sonia had returned, with many fans, including Aikman’s own family, surprised by the twist. Aikman shared on social media her family's reaction upon seeing her character on screen, stating, “We never told anyone,” echoing the shock from viewers watching alongside her.
Throughout the episode, Smithy encounters several “bridezilla” moments from Sonia, including her criticism during the ceremony over his shoe choice. The best man, Gavin, even expresses his concern to Smithy, believing he is making the wrong choice. The tension peaks as various guests, including Neil the Baby, Smithy and Nessa's teenage son, ironically object to the marriage during the ceremony, prompting Smithy to realize his heart lies with Nessa.
The finale culminates as Smithy leaves Sonia standing at the altar, racing against time to find Nessa before she departs from Southampton Dock for her new job. This frantic search embodies the show's many themes of love and family, culminating with Smithy finally proposing to Nessa and solidifying the emotional beats viewers had been desperate to see resolved.
The finale did not just deliver on story arcs; it brought viewers together. Charlotte Moore, BBC's Chief Content Officer, stated, “Christmas Day on the BBC brought people together in their millions and saw Gavin And Stacey triumph.” The mix of joy, nostalgia, and humor left the audience feeling satisfied and grateful for the show's return.
Gavin and Stacey first aired from 2007 to 2010, imprinting itself as one of Britain's favorite sitcoms. The show's revival began with one-off Christmas specials, returning with its first special since the show concluded, creating high expectations among fans. Many had speculated about potential plot lines, especially after the dramatic cliffhanger where Nessa proposed to Smithy. The reveal of Sonia as the bride was undoubtedly unexpected and sparked mixed feelings among fans.
The 90-minute episode's success marks not only the highs of the show but reflects the strong connection audiences have with the characters and the writers’ commitment to their legacy. The finale’s viewership is notable, especially when compared to its predecessor specials. The figures signal the show's enduring popularity and the strong desire for heartfelt comedies like Gavin and Stacey, especially during holiday seasons.
With the finale now behind them, viewers can look forward to the documentary Gavin And Stacey: A Fond Farewell, airing at 7pm on New Year’s Day on BBC One and BBC iPlayer. This look back at the series promises to encapsulate the joy, laughter, and friendships created throughout its runtime. The legacy of Gavin and Stacey will undoubtedly continue to resonate with fans for years to come, cementing its place as one of the nation's best-loved television series.
