James Corden and Ruth Jones confirm “last ever” episode of ‘Gavin and Stacey’
In February, it was revealed James Corden and Ruth Jones had planned a return for their beloved BBC sitcom Gavin and Stacey, which has now been confirmed. Per tradition, the episode is slated for release as a Christmas special at the end of this year.
Corden and Jones star in the immensely popular series as Smithy and Nessa Jenkins, but the primary focus is the titular couple, portrayed by Mathew Horne and Joanna Page. The cast also includes Rob Brydon, Larry Lamb and Alison Steadman, all of whom are expected to return to our screens one last time.
In a new Instagram post, Corden and Jones revealed the bittersweet news that the screenplay was completed but that it would be the last they conduct for Gavin and Stacey. “Some news… It’s official!!! We have finished writing the last ever episode of Gavin and Stacey,” they announced. “See you on Christmas Day, BBC One. Love Ruth and James.”
Fans last checked in on the Shipman couple at Christmas 2019 for a momentous special that racked up over 18 million viewers. This incredible feat made it the most-watched programme in a decade.
The episode, which aired nearly five years ago, ended on an edge-of-seat cliffhanger as Nessa proposed to Smithy with a rare look of candour. With Gavin and Stacey happily married, the story has shifted somewhat to the story of Nessa and Smithy, whose romantic fate will presumably be determined this Christmas.
The cliffhanger left fans questioning whether Corden and Jones would leave it there, allowing audiences to make up their own minds as to Smithy’s answer. However, Corden’s recent return to the UK, following several years of living in the US to host the Late Late Show, tipped the scales in favour of a televised conclusion.
With the announcement that the 2024 Christmas special will be the last of Gavin and Stacey, fans can only assume that Nessa and Smithy finally tie the knot in a happily ever after. However, we can certainly expect the unexpected with several twists and turns in the ever-gripping saga.
Gavin and Stacey initially ran for three seasons between 2007 and 2010, with its first Christmas special arriving in 2009. The BAFTA-winning show has since become one of Britain’s most celebrated comedies of the 21st century so far and is sure to draw the crowds at Christmas one last time.
Corden and Jones plan to shoot the episode over the summer. For now, catch up on the 2019 Christmas special below.
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