An impassioned James Corden and Ruth Jones have stated that collaborating on Gavin & Stacey has been a “privilege” and a “remarkable journey,” as they prepare to bid farewell after 17 years.
The cherished sitcom, which they co-created, chronicles the romantic tale of Gavin from Essex (Mathew Horne) and Stacey from Barry in Wales (Joanna Page), alongside the lives of their families and friends.
It aired for three seasons from 2007 to 2009, establishing itself as one of the most successful British comedies ever, before making a comeback after a decade for a Christmas Day cliffhanger episode in 2019.
Over 18 million viewers tuned in to witness Jones’s character Nessa kneeling to express her love for Corden‘s Smithy, leaving everyone in suspense about his response.
Jones and Corden seen at the launch event for Gavin & Stacey: The Finale. Pic: PA
Now, the BBC series returns this Christmas for what Corden and Jones assure will genuinely be the concluding episode, providing audiences with a glimpse of how their characters’ unique and tumultuous relationship unfolds.
The co-creators unveiled Gavin & Stacey: The Finale at a special preview event in London on Wednesday, with Jones becoming emotional as she shared that a “sense of love” persisted throughout the series.
“There’s love among friends, love among family, traditional boy-meets-girl romances, and unconventional connections,” she remarked. “I believe that essence has remained constant. Moreover, the absence of cynicism has continued – all characters in the show truly care for one another.”
Corden expressed it had been a “dream fulfilled” to create a show successful enough to warrant a “Christmas special” the first time around, and again later.
Both co-creators have remained discreet regarding the story’s conclusion.
The first preview of the final episode. Pic: Tom Jackson/PA
Contemplating why Gavin & Stacey is so cherished, Corden stated: “The more I reflect on it, I ponder whether it’s actually a lesson in patience. We are often told, particularly in television, or regarding our consumption habits – we discuss content, consumers, and speed.
“Here is a show that concluded 15 years ago, waited a decade to share an additional hour of the story, and then took five more years to conclude it. Perhaps the takeaway for all of us – for those who critique television, those who discuss it, and those who create it – is that perhaps time, patience, and care could be the key to achieving lasting relevance beyond what we consume on our phones.”
Both Corden and Jones confessed that after the Christmas 2019 cliffhanger, they were uncertain about reviving the show. However, in the summer of 2023, they made the decision to brainstorm ideas together.
“We both arrived at the same concept, didn’t we?” Jones remarked.
Joanna Page, portraying Stacey Shipman (left), and Jones, captured during the filming for the special. Pic: PA
Gavin & Stacey also features Larry Lamb and Alison Steadman as Gavin’s parents, Mick and Pam, Rob Brydon as Stacey’s uncle, Bryn, and Melanie Walters as her mother, Gwen.
“It may sound utterly absurd [but] it genuinely feels like we aren’t the ones in control of the writing,” Corden shared. “It’s as though we simply come together, and a portal opens, with the characters showing up and communicating with us.”
“Our cast truly embodies their roles,” added Jones. “I believe it has been incredibly collaborative, in multiple respects.”
Jones commended the Gavin & Stacey team for “making this final adventure so exceptional.” She also expressed gratitude to Corden “for being my travel companion on this splendid journey.”
Corden expressed: “What a privilege it is to collaborate on an idea with someone with whom it is pure joy to write. I love you immensely. I take tremendous pride in everything we’ve accomplished. Thank you.”
Gavin & Stacey: The Finale will broadcast on BBC1 at 9pm on Christmas Day
