For millions of fans of the British sitcom, Gavin & Stacey, the long, anxious wait has come to an end as the Christmas Special Finale airs on BBC One. This episode, marking the return after almost five years since the 2019 special, promises to offer closure on beloved characters and plot threads, making it one of the most highly anticipated moments on UK television this December 25.
Gavin & Stacey: The Finale will begin at 9 p.m. GMT tonight, and will run for 90 minutes, making it the longest episode ever created for the series. Traditionally, episodes were less than 30 minutes long, with the previous specials lasting around 60 minutes. This extended format indicates the show's significance to its creators, James Corden and Ruth Jones, as they prepare to bid farewell to the Shipmans and Wests.
The excitement surrounding this finale stems from the cliffhanger left at the end of the last Christmas special, where Nessa, played by Ruth Jones, famously proposed to Smithy, portrayed by James Corden, leaving fans desperate to learn his answer. After all this time, will Smithy say yes? The synopsis hints at significant developments over the last five years, stating, “It’s five years since we left Nessa down on one knee declaring her love for Smithy and asking him to marry her. And a lot has happened since then.”
Viewership estimates for the upcoming special are expected to rival previous records. For the last special, nearly 18 million viewers tuned in, making it the most-watched scripted programme of 2019. With the hype building, experts speculate it could even attract more than 20 million viewers this year. The adoration for the show, well embedded in British culture since its inception, can be attributed to its knack for capturing the warmth and complexity of human relationships.
Alongside the main characters Gavin (Mathew Horne) and Stacey (Joanna Page), many fan-favorites are making their comeback. The episode promises the return of every significant character, including Uncle Bryn (Rob Brydon), Gwen (Melanie Walters), Pam (Alison Steadman), and Smithy's best friend Nessa, whose antics have kept audiences laughing for years. Adding more excitement is the long-teased resolution to the mysterious “fishing trip” undertaken by Bryn and Jason, which first sparked interest among viewers since the show started back on BBC Three back in 2007.
Reportedly, behind the scenes, emotions are running high as the cast and crew prepare to say goodbye to something as extraordinary as Gavin & Stacey. “This is the end. It’s impossible to come back,” Corden said, reflecting on the finality of the special. The connection between Corden and Jones, both as creators and friends, has transformed the series from its modest beginnings to becoming one of Britain’s most cherished sitcoms.
Among the highlights, during promotional interviews, Ruth Jones commented on the essence of the show: “The simplest things are just joyous. What people are going to see on Christmas Day is the culmination of a 20-year love story, which hopefully shows, if nothing else, love is complicated and messy and for everyone.” This encapsulates how the show has navigated the intricacies of interpersonal relationships, providing heartfelt stories sprinkled with humor.
Fans have expressed their anticipation across various social media platforms, sometimes humorously imploring insiders for spoilers. Most, like one anonymous reporter who has seen the episode but cannot disclose any details, understand the joy lies within the surprise. “Believe me – you don’t want to know. You’ll enjoy it so much more if you don’t,” they remarked.
Gavin & Stacey is more than just another sitcom; it has permeated British culture through its relatable characters, snappy dialogue, and memorable catchphrases. The show's co-creators never anticipated the phenomenon it would become, leading to enormous viewing figures and continuing to influence pop culture today.
It seems fitting for the world to reunite with Barry and Billericay this Christmas. The series' open-hearted charm, wrapped within the nostalgic warmth of family gatherings, resonates strongly, especially at this time of year. Audiences are eager to immerse themselves once more within the world of Gavin, Stacey, and their entertaining, albeit dysfunctional, families.
The legacy of Gavin & Stacey will undoubtedly continue to shine bright, and as fans gather with their loved ones to watch the finale, it will feel like more than just the end of the series. It’s the celebration of love, friendship, and heartfelt connections, all culminating this Christmas night, suitable for the occasion.
After the finale, don't forget to tune back for supportive programming, including Gavin & Stacey: A Fond Farewell, which chronicles the joyous history of this evident cultural juggernaut, hosted by the original cast and featuring celebrity fans and behind-the-scenes excerpts.
