The beloved British sitcom Gavin and Stacey returned to screens for its much-anticipated Christmas special on December 25, 2019, marking the first new episode since the 2019 cliffhanger ended with Nessa’s dramatic marriage proposal to Smithy. The special, airing at 9 PM on BBC One, reignited the joy of fans, who had been waiting for five long years to see their favorite characters again.
Rob Brydon, who plays Uncle Bryn, spoke candidly about his co-star James Corden’s growth and transformation since the show first aired. Reflecting on Corden’s early struggles with success, Brydon noted, "He is such a talent, James, good God he really is. So he was on a rollercoaster... just lost his way for a bit," adding how he took Corden out for lunch and reminded him of his true self. According to Brydon, the media often reveled in Corden’s missteps, but he was proud to see his friend thrive again.
The viewers were equally emotionally affected by the special, especially when they saw how much Neil, known as 'the baby,' had grown. Oscar Hartland, who has portrayed Neil since infancy, has transitioned from the innocent baby character to now being sixteen years old, much to the shock of fans. One viewer noted on social media, "Wow Neil the baby is a fully grown adult," reflecting the deep connection audiences have developed with these characters over the years.
While James and Ruth Jones spent about 18 months working on this festive episode, the creative process was anything but straightforward. Corden humorously described their hotel writing sessions filled with chocolate snacks and messy post-it notes. They often bunkered down, trying to piece together the script amid distractions and interruptions. Corden acknowledged, "You’d be thinking ‘that looks like a disaster,’" highlighting the quirky nature of their creative process.
Alison Steadman, who plays Pam, initially did not believe Corden when he contacted her about reprising her role, thinking it was a prank call. Her hesitation was eventually quelled, and she confirmed her return, excited yet reflective on the time since the beloved series last filmed.
With the central question of Nessa’s proposal hanging over fans, the special also touched upon the evolution of friendships and relationships among the characters. The series' finale synopsis promised dramatics as Bryn packs for their trip to Essex, and audiences looked forward to witnessing revelations about the unresolved tensions of their past.
Fans were enamored with the emotional nostalgia woven throughout the episode. Comments flooded social media from viewers sharing how the characters’ journeys had left them feeling "absolutely ancient" as Neil grew up - the changes mirrored their own lives over the past several years. The cliffhanger from the 2019 episode was cleverly addressed, unearthing laughter and heartwarming moments as the cast brought the story full circle.
The special served not only to answer questions but to explore what the characters had been up to these five years. The viewers learned of Bryn and Jason's unresolved issues, Nessa's new business ventures, and Pam juggling hosting responsibilities. These threads offered both closure and laughter, proving once again the series' exceptional blend of humor and heart.
Among the highlights, Corden reiterated how facilitating these nostalgic reunions reminded everyone just how beloved the show has been. "It’s quite special to revisit these characters—it’s like catching up with old friends," he said, capturing the essence of the return. Questions lingered about what truly happened on the infamous fishing trip mentioned repeatedly throughout the series—a lore many fans speculated about.
The episode concluded with heartfelt interactions among the families and created lasting memories for the audience. It reminded viewers not just of what the series had been, but what it continues to mean to them. After so many years, they finally got their questions answered and were left with their emotional investment rewarded as they laughed and cried right alongside the characters.
Having aired for the final time, Gavin and Stacey's special embodied the spirit of reunion and nostalgia. The laughs, the unresolved questions, and the cherished moments characterized not only the reunion but the entire legacy of the show. With many viewers concluding the episode, they felt grateful for the ride and eager to see where their beloved characters might go next, even as this chapter closed.
Indeed, Gavin and Stacey will forever be remembered as not just another sitcom, but a heartfelt reminder of friendships, family, and the comedic moments woven through everyday life.
