The finale of Gavin & Stacey, which aired on Christmas Day, captivated audiences with its blend of humor, nostalgia, and heartwarming moments. The festive special opened up back home bases of Billericay and Barry, where fans witnessed cherished characters navigate the ups and downs of love and friendships. The anticipation built around the wedding of Neil 'Smithy' Smith, played by James Corden, and Sonia, his girlfriend from the 2019 Christmas special, played by Laura Aikman.
Intriguingly, the show kept viewers guessing as the spotlight fell on the relationship between Smithy and Vanessa 'Nessa' Jenkins, portrayed by Ruth Jones. Following the cliffhanger from the last special five years ago where Nessa professed her feelings for Smithy, fans eagerly awaited how their story would resolve. Initially, viewers thought the wedding was between Smithy and Nessa, but as the episode progressed, it showcased the complications and, quite fittingly, Smithy’s realization of his love for Nessa.
The episode aptly captured Smithy’s internal struggle during the ceremony when best man Gavin, brought to life by Mathew Horne, voiced concerns. The marriage proposal received chaos with guests objecting, urging Smithy to confront his true feelings for Nessa. This lead to the endearing race to reach Nessa before she departed to work on the ships. The segment piqued nostalgia for die-hard fans as it echoed earlier episodes filled with banter and emotional reveals.
Expectations were exceeded during the final moments as Smithy’s awkward proposal to Nessa unfolded, culminating with them finally having their 'happily ever after.' The scene featured the couple having what appeared to be a simple yet charming wedding, with Nessa surprisingly donning a black dress, cementing the episode's playful and unconventional charm. Their happiness contrasted sharply against earlier hints of wedding chaos and miscommunication.
Vividly illustrating secondary storylines, the episode also revealed another heartfelt twist – Stacey’s mother, Gwen West, played by Melanie Walters, entered a secret relationship with Dave Coaches. Fans were reminded of the humor-laden history of these characters when Dave was jilted at the altar four years prior, intensifying the sense of nostalgia surrounding the show.
Long-standing mysteries remained too, as the storyline almost shed light on the infamous fishing trip involving Stacey’s uncle Bryn and her brother Jason. Just as Dave was on the verge of spilling the beans, comedic timing interrupted the moment with Gwen's burnt omelette, representing the show’s classic blend of humor and unresolved tension.
The atmosphere during the matchmaking was enhanced with some returning faces like Sheridan Smith as Smithy’s sister Rudi and Anna Maxwell-Martin playing the registrar, creating delightful surprises for viewers. Anna’s dual roles in hits such as Line of Duty and Motherland made her appearance more than just coincidental but intentional—an homage to her diverse talent.
Corden and Jones, the creators, expressed their excitement leading up to the finale, which aired amid expectations of grandeur and nostalgia. Corden shared on social media moments before the episode aired, stating, "We had to be together to watch tonight," reflecting the camaraderie behind the scenes. He later thanked audiences for the support over the years, remarking on the privilege of having created the show.
Horne, too, shared heartfelt sentiments post-airing, posting sentimental gratitude on social media. Actor Russell Tovey also expressed pride for being involved from the very beginning, stating, "So proud to have been part of this magic from the very beginning – what a privilege – Gavin and Stacey forever!!" showcasing the communal sentiment among the cast.
The series, immensely popular since its initial airing from 2007 to 2010, scored record ratings when it returned for the 2019 Christmas special. Critics praised its ability to blend humor with authentic British familial themes, resulting in accolades including the impact award at the National Television Awards (NTA).
Viewers can expect more emotional takeaways as BBC One announced plans for the documentary, Gavin and Stacey: A Fond Farewell, airing New Year’s Day at 7 p.m., promising to explore the series' legacy. Fans may reflect on the moments, laughter, and emotional connections forged over the years, making Gavin & Stacey not merely another show but part of the cultural fabric.
