After 17 wonderful years, the curtains are closing on one of Britain’s most beloved sitcoms. The Gavin and Stacey 2024 Christmas Special is set to be the final episode of the series, wrapping up an incredible journey for fans and cast members alike. Filming has officially concluded, marking an emotional goodbye to Barry Island and its famous Trinity Street, where characters like Bryn West, Gavin Shipman, and Stacey Shipman were brought to life.
Co-writer and actress Ruth Jones, who plays Nessa Jenkins, delivered an emotional farewell to fans, saying, “This is our farewell now to Barry and to Trinity Street, so you won’t be seeing us here anymore. But we’ve had a wonderful 17 years, it’s been fantastic.”
James Corden, who portrays Smithy and co-wrote the show, also expressed his gratitude: “Thank you very much to everyone. We’ll see you soon.” The emotional conclusion marks the end of a golden era for the sitcom.
The Journey of Gavin and Stacey: From 2007 to the 2024 Christmas Special
Gavin and Stacey first aired in 2007, running for three successful series until 2010. The show became an instant hit, blending comedy with heartfelt moments and introducing characters that viewers quickly fell in love with. The 2008 Christmas Special became one of the most memorable episodes, and the show returned once again in 2019 for a one-off Christmas special that ended on a cliffhanger.
For years, fans wondered if they would ever see the resolution to the unanswered questions from the 2019 special. Then, in May 2024, the creators made the much-anticipated announcement: “It’s official!!! We have finished writing the last-ever episode of Gavin and Stacey. See you on Christmas Day, BBC One.”
Sheridan Smith’s Return as Rudi – A Surprise Reunion
One of the most exciting rumors surrounding the Gavin and Stacey 2024 Christmas Special is the return of Sheridan Smith, who played Smithy’s fun-loving younger sister, Rudi. A fan favorite, Sheridan hasn’t appeared on the show since 2010, missing out on the 2019 Christmas special. However, reports suggest that she has reprised her role for this final episode.
An insider shared, “Sheridan is an incredible actress and stepped right back into Rudi’s shoes. It was like no time had passed at all.”
Sheridan and James Corden dated between 2007 and 2009, adding another layer of intrigue to her character’s return. Despite rumors of drama, Sheridan has downplayed any personal issues, saying in a 2019 interview, “There is no drama between me and James. I’m so proud to have been part of something so special.”
James Corden and Mathew Horne: A Friendship Rekindled
The chemistry between James Corden and Mathew Horne (who plays Gavin) is undeniable, both on and off-screen. In fact, their friendship off-camera mirrored the bond between their characters, with the duo becoming inseparable after meeting during filming in the 2000s. However, their relationship hit a rough patch following the mixed reception to their collaborative projects like Horne & Corden and Lesbian Vampire Killers.
Despite rumors of a falling out, James clarified in a 2015 interview, “We never fell out, it was never that. We were one person for a long time… In one year we spent 263 days together and then we went from that to nothing.”
Mathew echoed this sentiment in 2016, confirming that their friendship remained intact, saying, “James remains a friend and never wasn’t a friend. We’ve done various bits of work together, and now we’re both off doing other things.”
What to Expect from the Final Episode
The Gavin and Stacey 2024 Christmas Special promises to tie up all the loose ends and give fans the resolution they’ve been waiting for. After the dramatic cliffhanger in 2019—where Nessa proposed to Smithy—viewers are eager to find out what happens next. Will Smithy say yes? Will the show end with a wedding, or will it deliver another unexpected twist?
Ruth Jones and James Corden have kept details of the plot under wraps, but they’ve assured fans that the final episode will be a fitting tribute to the show’s legacy.
Behind-the-Scenes Drama: Truth or Fiction?
Throughout the years, there have been rumors of behind-the-scenes tension among the cast. However, most of these stories have been debunked. Sheridan Smith’s rumored feud with James Corden was overblown, and both stars have repeatedly stated there was no bad blood between them.
Similarly, rumors of a falling out between James and Mathew Horne were also exaggerated, with both actors confirming that they’ve remained friends.
Despite these occasional rumors, the cast’s camaraderie is evident. Their ability to step back into character and bring their roles to life shows that the heart of Gavin and Stacey lies in its tight-knit cast and the genuine friendships they’ve built over the years.
FAQs About the Gavin and Stacey 2024 Christmas Special
1. When is the Gavin and Stacey 2024 Christmas Special airing?
The final episode will air on Christmas Day 2024 on BBC One.
2. Is this the last-ever episode of Gavin and Stacey?
Yes, the 2024 Christmas Special marks the last-ever episode of the series.
3. Will Sheridan Smith return as Rudi?
Yes, Sheridan Smith is expected to reprise her role as Smithy’s sister, Rudi, for the 2024 special.
4. What happened to the cliffhanger from the 2019 Christmas Special?
The 2024 Christmas Special will pick up where the 2019 episode left off, resolving the storyline around Nessa’s proposal to Smithy.
5. Why did Gavin and Stacey end?
The creators, Ruth Jones and James Corden, felt that it was the right time to bring the series to a close and offer a satisfying ending for fans.
6. Will there be a Gavin and Stacey spin-off?
There are no official plans for a spin-off, but fans continue to hope for more from the show’s universe.