Fans of the beloved British sitcom Gavin & Stacey are flocking to St Cattwg's Church in Llanmaes, Vale of Glamorgan, as the show's much-anticipated Christmas special approaches. Known for iconic scenes featuring the wedding of the titular characters, Gavin and Stacey, the church has become something of a pilgrimage site for devotees of the series.
Church warden Jeff Robinson, 82, has witnessed this surge firsthand, noting the increased footfall as the holiday season draws near and the show's finale is set to air. "It has been busier again recently because of the Christmas special," he explained. Visitors often leave behind entries like "what's occurring" or comment on the church’s charm, reflecting their deep connection to the show.
Filming at the 800-year-old church, which has no restroom facilities, was quite the adventure for the crew. Robinson recounted how the BBC staff asked if there was somewhere for them to use the loo during their two-day stay. He humorously offered access to his own home when the entire cast — clad in wedding attire — opted to use his facilities simultaneously. "People must have thought we were holding a wedding reception," Robinson chuckled. This friendly interaction highlights the warmth of the local community and the joy brought by the series.
Despite its ancient history, the church is now most famous for hosting the fictional wedding of Gavin and Stacey. It’s intriguing to think about all the real weddings held there over centuries, yet its legacy is defined by the television events. "It's now most famous for an event that's never actually happened - a TV wedding," Robinson said.
The motif of sandwiches, featured prominently when Father Chris asks characters about their favorites, has also stuck with visitors. A regular entry from one of the fans noted, "I like the tunas," which directly references the show's quirky humor. Another visitor from Dudley similarly wrote, "Love a good cheese and onion sandwich," demonstrating how the show’s dialogue continues to resonate with audiences long after its initial airing.
While the Christmas special aims to capitalize on nostalgia, it also engages fans eager to revisit cherished characters and moments. Robinson described how the church has transformed since the show’s debut 17 years ago, determining its significance has only intensified with time.
Notably, Joanna Page, the actress who portrayed Stacey, has even stopped by the church herself to take photographs and reminisce about her experiences there. Robinson proudly stated he would always direct fans to embrace the spirit of the show by sharing their own memorable moments within the sacred space.
Critics have offered mixed reviews of the latest seasonal episode. Some believe it diverges from the charm and effectiveness of the original series, with remarks ranging from disappointment to outright disdain. James Corden and Ruth Jones, the sitcom's creators, faced scrutiny over the 2019 special, described by some as lacking substance. One review suggested all the delightful humor and heartfelt moments were lost, leaving behind only memories of what once was entertaining.
Yet the allure of Gavin & Stacey endures, as evidenced by the throngs headed to St Cattwg's. The church symbolizes the impact of nostalgia and the power of television, often drawing attention to locations associated with beloved shows. The popularity of the church has transcended time, reflecting the show's cultural significance even as it wrapped up its storyline.
With millions expected to tune in for the Christmas Day finale at 21:00 GMT on December 25, anticipation continues to build not only for long-term fans but for curious natives intrigued by the reverberations of the show's success. The echoes of laughter and affection associated with Gavin & Stacey and its charming cast serve as enduring connections to viewers.
The church, with its storied walls and lively history of film crews, remains at the center of this coronavirus pandemic tradition. Fans driving hours to visit highlight the cultural phenomenon surrounding Gavin & Stacey — one program undeniably wedged itself forever within the fabric of British television history. The joy is palpable, and Robinson’s anecdotes reflect the humor and warmth to which viewers cling, fostering community and connection.
Whether these visits continue post-finale remains to be seen, but the relationships forged through shared love for Gavin & Stacey will continue to invite people to visit, reminisce, and laugh over favorite moments. The Christmas special serves as both culmination and celebration for the series, with St Cattwg's Church standing as both witness and participant.
