Fans of the beloved British sitcom Gavin & Stacey are gearing up for the much-anticipated finale airing on Christmas Day, with cast members recently coming together for a special edition of BBC Radio 2's breakfast show. The program, aptly titled 'A Gavin & Stacey Takeover!', featured the show's co-creator James Corden alongside fellow cast members, including Ruth Jones, Mathew Horne, Joanna Page, Rob Brydon, Alison Steadman, and Larry Lamb.
Since its debut in 2007, Gavin & Stacey has captured audiences' hearts with its relatable humor and memorable characters. During the radio special, the cast reminisced about their favorite moments and the making of the series, which has been both critically acclaimed and beloved by fans.
One highlight of the show was Corden's confession about the iconic curry order made by his character, Smithy. The absurdly extravagant order of 'chicken bhuna, lamb bhuna, prawn bhuna, mushroom rice, bag of chips, keema naan, and nine poppadoms... and a saag aloo' became famous during the third season, even being immortalized on various merchandise across the UK. Despite its popularity, Corden admitted he had never tried the curry, to which Steadman revealed she too had never tasted it. Fans quickly chimed in on social media, expressing disbelief at the omission of the keema naan from Corden's order recap.
The radio appearance also brought to light humorous incidents, such as Ruth Jones's accidental expletive during the broadcast. While reflecting on memorable scenes, Jones recalled a moment when her character Nessa jokingly commented on Pam, played by Alison Steadman: 'Oh, you're a lucky b***h Pam!' This prompted laughter from Corden, as he reminded her, 'I don't think you are,' leading to Jones’s hasty apology.
But the spotlight wasn’t only on the curry and bloopers; the cast shared exciting behind-the-scenes stories and spoke about the setting of the show. The series features various filming locations, primarily around Barry, Vale of Glamorgan, and Billericay, Essex. Fans of the show often take tours of these iconic spots, which include Gwen and Stacey's house, Uncle Bryn's residence, and even Nessa’s amusement arcade. Each location is deeply tied to key moments throughout the series.
The camaraderie among the actors was palpable during the radio takeover, with Joanna Page recounting her shock upon meeting someone who had Smithy's face tattooed on his stomach alongside the infamous curry order. Horne jokingly suggested it was time to reveal some significant information about himself, adding another layer of humor to the special.
Following the nostalgic atmosphere of the radio show, Steadman reflected on her emotional farewells to her co-stars, stating, 'When I read the script, I nearly got emotional! I just thought, wow, we’re back with a bang!' It’s evident the cast shares a deep bond, as they often recall filming together and the joy it brought them.
The finale promises to wrap up storylines and deliver closure, especially after the cliffhanger of Nessa's marriage proposal to Smithy during the Christmas Special of 2019. Fans are eager to see how these storylines will culminate after years of laughter and heartfelt moments.
Beyond the finale's imminent release, the legacy of Gavin & Stacey endures, as many fans still quote lines and share anecdotes from the show. The humorous moments are filled with relatable experiences, such as family gatherings and the inevitable chaos around holiday dinners, which many have fondly recounted.
With the finale set to air on BBC One at 9 PM on Christmas Day and available on BBC iPlayer, this beloved series will no doubt maintain its place as a cultural touchstone for years to come. For all the fans who tuned in to the radio special, the sharing of memories and laughter was not just reflective; it was also celebratory of the show’s enduring impact.
Though the show is concluding, the sentiments expressed during the radio show and the fond farewells suggest it's more than just the end of the series; it marks the closure of one chapter for the characters and their heartfelt journeys through love, humor, and family.
