Fans of the beloved BBC sitcom Gavin and Stacey have a festive treat in store tonight, as the record-breaking series finale makes a triumphant return to television screens.
A Record-Breaking Send-Off
The 90-minute special episode, which brought the iconic comedy to a close after 17 years and three seasons, first aired over Christmas last year to phenomenal acclaim. It achieved a truly rare feat in modern British television, pulling in a colossal audience of over 19.1 million viewers. This figure stands as one of the largest in the BBC's history and starkly contrasts with today's fragmented viewing habits. For context, the BBC's biggest hit of this year, Celebrity Traitors, peaked at around 15 million.
With many viewers expressing disappointment over this year's festive TV offerings, the repeat broadcast offers a chance to revisit a genuine television highlight from Christmas 2024. The episode will air on BBC One at 8:25pm tonight and is also available to stream on BBC iPlayer.
What Made the Finale So Special?
Co-created by and starring Ruth Jones and James Corden, the finale delivered the emotional payoff fans had been waiting for. The episode centred on the wedding of Sonia and Smithy, but in a dramatic and chaotic turn, it was Smithy and Nessa who finally chose each other, exchanging vows as the credits rolled on their decades-long will-they-won't-they saga.
The cast and crew were under immense pressure to deliver a satisfying conclusion, and by widespread account, they succeeded spectacularly. Set in the show's beloved location of Barry Island, the special was praised for its perfect blend of humour and heart, leaving fans both elated and emotional. While the mystery of the infamous fishing trip remained unsolved, most agreed the ending was 'near-perfect'.
A Lasting Legacy and Fond Look Back
Although the series has now concluded, its legacy continues. Ruth Jones recently delighted fans by briefly slipping back into her iconic role as Nessa during her BBC travel show, Ruth and Steve: From Porthcawl With Love. Her co-star on that programme, Steve Spiers, humorously reflected on never having acted alongside the character, despite multiple auditions for Gavin and Stacey.
"I think this is an absolute credit to the character that Ruth created," Spiers said. "When Ruth gets into all that gear, there's a massive metamorphosis... I just had this really weird feeling that I wasn't acting with Ruth, like something else had taken over."
For millions, the series was more than just a comedy; it was a source of comfort and joy. As one reviewer noted, it was an "original and ultimate comfort show" that provided laughter on the hardest of days. While the story of Gavin, Stacey, and their friends and family has reached its natural end, tonight's repeat is a perfect opportunity to say one last emotional goodbye to the characters that defined a generation of British television.
