Fans of the beloved BBC sitcom Gavin & Stacey are brimming with anticipation as the show prepares to air its much-awaited finale on Christmas Day. The hour-and-a-half special will pick up where the dramatic cliffhanger from the 2019 festive special left off, as viewers eagerly await the resolution of Vanessa 'Nessa' Jenkins’s proposal to Neil 'Smithy' Smith. This finale marks the end of the series, which has entertained audiences since its debut from 2007 to 2010, and with subsequent specials over the years.
Set against the backdrop of a cross-national romance between characters from Wales and Essex, the series has garnered immense popularity. James Corden, who co-created the series alongside Ruth Jones, has enjoyed meteoric success, particularly after emigraging to the U.S. and taking over The Late Late Show where he launched the viral sensation 'Carpool Karaoke'. Rob Brydon, known for his role as Uncle Bryn, recently reflected on the immense impact of the show and his admiration for Corden’s career achievements on Jamie Laing’s podcast.
“I thought it would feel emotional on the last day,... floods of tears,” Brydon shared. Reflecting on the camaraderie built over the two decades since their first meeting, he expressed gratitude for having contributed to this landmark show. “We’ve all grown and changed,” he noted. Brydon emphasized Corden's talents, stating, “He went off and conquered America, which he doesn’t get the praise for.” Many find Corden's success, particularly his move abroad, unprecedented, causing Brydon to ask, “Who else has done [that]?”
While Corden has flourished, Mathew Horne, who plays Gavin Shipman, has seen ups and downs, recently experiencing some drama of his own. During a performance of The Tempest at London's Theatre Royal Drury Lane, he suffered an injury but recovered quickly. Outside of the limelight, Horne is known to keep his private life low-key, recently sharing his fondness for Scotland, where he hopes to have his own retreat. “It’s the best country in the world,” he expressed, reflecting on the tranquility he finds there.
There have been persistent rumors about Horne's relationship with Corden, with Horne quipping about the situation, saying, “I couldn’t really do anything about it... I really don’t want any more hectic-ness and chaos.” He reiterated the narrative imposed around their friendship upon Corden's rise to fame, clarifying, “I think I’ve been silenced... about him.” He defended Corden’s talent, stating, “The root of all the flak he takes is jealousy,” characterizing him as “a phenomenally gifted actor and writer.”
The reunion brings back more than just the surface characters; it revives the feelings and personal experiences of the actors. This emotional connection was felt when Brydon shared memories of filming with fellow cast members, including Alison Steadman and Larry Lamb. They’ve all matured and grown, both on-screen and personally, showcasing their evolution since the original series aired. Meanwhile, Horne's revelations about fatherhood – he recently welcomed his first child – depict yet another personal layer added to the reunion, reflecting how life has changed for the actors.
Adding to the reunion's intrigue, Corden's initial outreach to the cast had some amusing moments, particularly with Alison Steadman, who initially dismissed Corden’s WhatsApp message as someone playing tricks on her. Corden joked, “I couldn’t get hold of her... she thought it was someone messing around.” Her eventual agreement to return embodies the ensemble spirit of Gavin & Stacey, and fans can definitely expect some heartfelt moments and humorous exchanges during the finale.
With the finale set to air at 9 PM on BBC One and made available on BBC iPlayer, there is palpable excitement for the insights and stories to be unveiled. Many hope for revelations about the fishing trip mystery involving Uncle Bryn and his nephew Jason, which has been teased for years. “I’m somebody who believes in delayed gratification,” Brydon coyly remarked, hinting at the secrets yet to be uncovered.
During the finale, viewers can expect to see their favorite characters grapple with personal challenges and relationships, paving the way for concluding storylines forged over years of camaraderie, humor, and poignant drama. This Christmas Day episode aims to celebrate not only the end of the show but also the enduring bonds formed among the cast. Fans have been waiting for just this culmination of experiences and emotions; the finale promises to deliver and reward their loyalty over the years.
