Fans of the beloved British sitcom Gavin and Stacey are on the brink of closure as the much-anticipated Christmas special is set to air on December 25, 2023. It’s hard to believe it's been nearly five years since the show returned with its festive special, which ended on a tantalizing cliffhanger. Viewers worldwide are left wondering what Smithy (James Corden) will say to Nessa (Ruth Jones) after her unexpected marriage proposal. The Christmas Day episode promises not only entertaining television but also the resolution to this long-standing question.
But wait, there’s more! Following this festive episode, fans will have cause to celebrate again, as it was confirmed by Corden and Jones themselves: the story of Gavin and Stacey will continue beyond the screen. It was announced recently during promotional interviews and presentations, highlighting their upcoming book titled When Gavin Met Stacey and Everything in Between: A Story of Love and Friendship, which is set to be published in Autumn 2025. This book marks the first time the pair will share the behind-the-scenes story of how their hit comedy took shape and became deeply rooted, not just as entertainment, but as part of British culture.
"We’re so excited to be sharing the story behind the story of Gavin and Stacey," Corden and Jones stated. This book aims not only to provide explanations and resolutions for fans thirsting for more from the quirky characters they've grown to love, but also to explore the enduring friendship and creative partnership between Corden and Jones. Throughout the years, this relationship has remained strong, solidifying the foundation of their collaboration.
Speaking about the pressures of creating the Christmas special, Corden likens it to the monumental task of playing for the England football team. "I still feel pressure — there’s pressure all the time because you don’t want to let anybody down," he said during his chat with The Sun. These sentiments resonate deeply with fans who have watched this show grow from its first airing back in 2007 to becoming a staple of British television.
Bill Scott-Kerr, from publisher Transworld, expressed his enthusiasm, stating, "It’s also inspiring to see how a friendship can translate..." His excitement reflects the cultural significance of Gavin and Stacey and suggests the upcoming book will not only be about their friendship but provide fresh insights for long-time viewers. It’s likely to reveal how their relationship influenced the writing, jokes, and emotional heart of the show, setting it apart from other productions.
For many, the finale of Gavin and Stacey is deeply nostalgic, marking many significant memories. The show, with its unique brand of humor and heartfelt moments, has not only entertained but has forged connections among its audience. The special will seek to provide resolution to cliffs left from its 2019 holiday return, giving fans the answers they have yearned for: Is there to be a wedding? What really happened on the infamous fishing trip? And will Smithy finally reveal his feelings?
While the holiday airwaves will be buzzing with the festivities of the Christmas special, Corden and Jones prepare their devoted fandom for even more as they revisit their early days of scriptwriting, the laughs they shared, and the hurdles they faced. The book promises to be as much about their comedic formula as it is their friendship, marking two decades of shared creativity.
With audiences awaiting the conclusions of both the special and the book, it is clear the legacy of Gavin and Stacey is far from over. The Christmas special airs at 9 PM on Christmas Day, with the swan song promising to be nothing short of appointment viewing, gathering families around screens nation-wide, packets of tissues at the ready. This Christmas, Gavin and Stacey will remind us all of the importance of love, laughter, and, of course, friendship.
For fans old and new, the upcoming book is set to serve as both nostalgia and new insight, beautifully intertwining their story with the warmth of the Christmas season. Those who have followed the ups and downs of Smithy, Nessa, and their friends will undoubtedly embrace this final chapter as they look forward to more than just closure — they're craving connection as Corden and Jones share their story of laughter and partnership. With the holiday season providing the perfect backdrop, Gavin and Stacey is poised to solidify its place as not merely entertainment but as cherished memories for years to come.