On Christmas Day at 9 pm, viewers will once again gather to witness the closure of one of Britain’s most beloved sitcoms, Gavin & Stacey. After 17 years of laughter, love, and complicated relationships, the long-awaited special promises to be a heartfelt send-off for fans. Creators Ruth Jones and James Corden are delivering the finale, which will run for 90 minutes, nearly two years after its last Christmas special.
Viewers have eagerly awaited the follow-up since 2019, when Nessa Shanessa "Nessa" Jenkins (Ruth Jones) left audiences on the edge of their seats by proposing to Neil "Smithy" Smith (James Corden). This cliffhanger not only brought emotional turmoil but also raised questions about the future of several key relationships. Are Gavin (Mathew Horne) and Stacey (Joanna Page) still madly in love, or has the spark faded after 17 years of marriage? What will become of Nessa and Smithy's chaotic romance? These queries hung suspended for five long years, building anticipation for this Christmas Day reveal.
One of the core elements driving the show’s charm has always been the dynamics among the families, the Shipmans and the Wests. Gavin and Stacey’s love story formed the heart of the series, with their long-distance romance blossoming through heartfelt phone conversations and quick visits. The couple’s endearing flaws and genuine affection for each other have kept viewers invested through ups and downs, including moments of tension where Stacey battled homesickness after moving to Essex.
The special is expected to explore how the couple attempts to reignite the passionate connection they once shared. According to Corden, “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.”
Meanwhile, the unique chemistry between Nessa and Smithy continues to perplex fans. Historically portrayed as best friends who struggled to acknowledge their attraction, their complicated dynamic quickly escalated after Nessa found herself pregnant following their various flings. During the finale, viewers will see how the two navigate their rollercoaster romance, particularly after the unresolved proposal from Nessa. Many are left wondering how this messy situation will come to fruition.
Adding to the mix, the narrative will also revisit the long-standing joke between Uncle Bryn (Rob Brydon) and his nephew Jason (Robert Wilfort) about the infamous fishing trip. While fans think they might finally learn what transpired on this mysterious trip, previous specials have left dangling hints, with Bryn always dancing around the details. Could this special provide closure to the storyline or will it keep the secret alive?
Also returning are the ever-volatile dynamics between Pam (Alison Steadman) and Mick (Larry Lamb), who have become iconic for their bickering. Pam often berates her son Gavin's choices, leading to humorous yet heartwarming moments during their interactions. Their relationship, abundant with love amid minor squabbles, will continue to deliver laughs, even as they navigate holiday hosting prep. Embracing the all-too-relatable chaos of family gatherings, their entertaining interactions are sure to delight fans on Christmas Day.
Stacey's mother, Gwen (Melanie Walters), will also play her part, and there are hints of unexpected developments involving her character, which are par for the course with Gavin & Stacey. Jones hints viewers can expect surprising developments, highlighting the constant evolution of these beloved characters.
Further complicatations arise with the tensions between the Shipmans and Wests, potentially coming to the forefront as children grow and relationships deepen. The dynamics of these blended families have always been at the core of the sitcom’s charm and its evolution over the years. The audience will also see how they cope with the ups and downs of parenting and familial expectations, alongside the nostalgia of past memories.
With the finale approaching, fans have also shown excitement and eagerness to embrace the show’s traditional humor mixed with classic emotional depth. Corden stated, “The show picks up five years after we left off… and you find out more about Nessa’s unbelievable chequered life.” Such experiences may lead to laughter, heartache, and zany family hijinks, appealing to the show’s wide fan base.
For those wondering if this is the end of the road for the show, Corden has expressed uncertainty about future projects. “We don’t know if we have another idea in us, but I can honestly say if we didn’t attempt to try and even explore the idea of writing together then I’d be so disappointed.” With such suspense surrounding the finale, viewers eagerly anticipate how it will tie up the emotional and comedic storylines.
Gavin & Stacey: The Finale is set to air on Christmas Day at 9 pm on BBC One and will also be available on BBC iPlayer. Fans can prepare for 90 minutes of laughter, nostalgia, and perhaps some tears as they relive the exhilarating ups and downs of Barry and Billericay’s favorite duo.
