Fans across the UK and beyond are still buzzing from the emotional finale of Gavin & Stacey, which aired on Christmas Day, December 25, 2024. This beloved sitcom, known for its warmth and humor, returned after years away, leaving viewers with plenty to talk about and reminisce on. The finale, watched by 12.3 million people, marked the highest Christmas Day ratings since 2008—a feat the series had previously achieved with its 2019 Christmas special involving Nessa’s famous proposal to Smithy.
Among the most noteworthy moments of the finale was the unexpected twist involving Gwen, portrayed by Melanie Walters. Rather than seeing her reunited with someone familiar, it was revealed she had found romance with Dave Coaches, the well-known bus company character. This development caught many off guard, as Walters shared with Radio Times her shock upon reading the script. “I did shriek when I saw it was Dave Coaches. Part of me hoped Gwen would have some romance, but I never imagined it would be with him,” Walters recalled, expressing gratitude to co-creators Ruth Jones and James Corden for providing her character such depth.
Meanwhile, the finale also addressed the unresolved tension between Nessa and Smithy. Fans witnessed Smithy make the life-altering decision to leave his girlfriend Sonia at the altar, leading to his long-awaited confession of love for Nessa. This romantic culmination delighted viewers and reaffirmed longstanding support for the central couple.
The social media reactions following the episode reflected both joy and nostalgia as James Corden, who co-created the series, thanked fans for their unwavering support via Instagram. He captioned behind-the-scenes photos from the special, expressing, “Thank you so much to everyone who watched last night. It means more than you’ll know.” Corden's post featured the core cast, including Mathew Horne, Joanna Page, Ruth Jones, Rob Brydon, and Alison Steadman—all of whom played pivotal roles throughout the series. Commenting on his post, several celebrities praised the episode, underscoring its emotional impact.
The finale not only tied up the storylines for fan-favorite characters but also rekindled the sentimentality surrounding the show. Kaz Barrett, who closely identifies with Nessa and even embodies her character through impersonations, shared her own reflections. She noted, “If you don’t love Gavin & Stacey, you’re a fool!”—a sentiment echoed by fans celebrating the special's return.
Casting aside any hesitation, Smithy sprinted across town to declare his feelings to Nessa, culminating with their wedding, where the couple finally had their moment of happiness. Viewers witnessed their colorful wedding montage, set against the iconic backdrop of Barry—a location central to much of the series. Many believe this setting has become intertwined with the show's identity, bringing Barry town renewed recognition.
Interestingly, even the post-finale discussions were fueled by more unanswered questions, such as the mystery of Bryn's “fishing trip.” Kaz Barrett humorously remarked, “It was cold, it defied the laws of gravity, but it was legal in Wales”—a witty nod to the enduring campy humor of the show.
The cultural resonance of Gavin & Stacey speaks volumes about its impact on British television. The series shaped conversations around friendship, love, and the British lifestyle, and the finale served as the perfect capstone, allowing fans to relive the charm of the characters they had grown to love over the years.
With millions tuning in, the finale demonstrates not only Gavin & Stacey's popularity but also the powerful connection it developed with its audience. The show's legacy is set to live on, with discussions sparking around its characters continuing for years to come.
