The beloved BBC sitcom Gavin & Stacey is poised for its grand farewell, set to air its conclusion on Christmas Day this year, but fans will be excited to know this isn't quite the end for the show's creators, James Corden and Ruth Jones. The duo has announced the release of their book titled When Gavin Met Stacey and Everything in Between: A Story of Love and Friendship, scheduled for publication on October 16, 2025. The book promises not only to celebrate the show, but also to provide readers with behind-the-scenes insights and stories from their celebrated partnership.
For over 25 years, Corden and Jones have cultivated their friendship through this iconic sitcom, which first aired back in 2007. They created something unique, with both comedic finesse and real emotional depth, sparking discussions surrounding relationships, family dynamics, and cultural idiosyncrasies. This book aims to encapsulate their journeys, covering every facet of the show's creation, from initial conversations to its evolution as one of Britain’s cultural phenomena.
James Corden expressed his excitement about the book, stating, "We're so excited to be sharing the story behind the story of Gavin & Stacey. The show has played a huge part in our twenty-five-year friendship and we hope this book will give readers a fresh insight on how it all came about." Corden's sentiments reflect their deep commitment to their craft and the importance of the narratives they’ve shaped together.
Ruth Jones, who portrays Nessa, added, “The show has been such a pivotal part of my life. It also documents the challenges we faced – rejections, obstacles, and how we kept pushing through.” This book is more than just fan service; it seeks to reveal the behind-the-scenes camaraderie and creative struggles faced by the writers as they brought their characters to life.
The announcement of the book coincides with heightened anticipation for the finale, which follows up on the cliffhanger left during the last Christmas special when Nessa proposed to Smithy, played by Corden. After much speculation and excitement, audiences can finally expect resolution and perhaps closure to the characters’ emotional arcs on Christmas Day. The finale is airing at 9 PM on BBC One and will also be available on BBC iPlayer.
“It was quite pressured and hard to think about how to make the end satisfying to the audience and to the characters,” Corden remarked, emphasizing the care and thoughtfulness behind wrapping up the series. Both he and Jones wanted to do justice to the legacy they’ve built, recognizing how deeply connected viewers are to the stories of Gavin and Stacey.
Their publisher, Susanna Wadeson from Transworld, expressed enthusiasm for the upcoming book, remarking, “It's incredibly exciting to hear directly from them all about how it unfolded from initial ideas to their prominent spot on TV screens.” She spoke to the special nature of capturing their creative partnership: “It’s particularly special to gain insight from James and Ruth on how their friendship has grown alongside the beloved characters they created.”
Fans of the series have been eagerly waiting for the finale, which has become somewhat of a cultural event. The finale builds on the series' legacy, recognized for weaving humor with heartfelt emotion. It aired for three seasons on British television and features iconic characters whose journeys resonate with many.
Reflecting on the significance of the show, Joanna Page, who plays Stacey, shared her thoughts on its universal appeal: “When I first read the script, I thought, I know these people, this is my life, my family. Everyone knows someone like Smithy.” This relatability is likely contributing to the enduring affection for the series, as new generations discover and appreciate the humor and heart of the sitcom.
Interestingly, the finale will air alongside the documentary Gavin & Stacey: A Fond Farewell, which will air on New Year’s Day at 7 PM. This documentary promises to provide fans with even more insight, adding depth to the final farewell.
Looking back, Corden and Jones understand the significance their work carries not just for themselves personally, but for their audience. “It changed the entire direction of my life,” Corden said. “The show has shaped my career and my relationships. It’s about creating this found family among the cast, which is incredibly precious.”
With their heartfelt connections evident both on and off the screen, it’s no wonder Gavin & Stacey has earned its place as one of Britain’s cherished sitcoms. The upcoming book will surely add another layer of depth to the series, letting fans behind the curtain of this iconic comedy.
So on Christmas Day, fans will gather around their screens one last time to witness the culmination of the Gavin & Stacey saga, alongside future revelations from the book. Pre-orders for When Gavin Met Stacey and Everything in Between are already underway, making it clear—while the screens may darken for the sitcom, Corden and Jones’ story doesn’t end here.
