‘Tear-jerking’ BBC finale watched by more than 19,000,000 people is on TV tonight

Published 3 hours ago
Source: metro.co.uk
Gavin (Mathew Horne), Pam (Alison Steadman), Smithy (James Corden), Nessa (Ruth Jones), Stacey (Joanna Page)
Gavin and Stacey is back on screens tonight (Picture: BBC/ PA Wire)

It may have been a year since the epic Gavin and Stacey finale, but if you’re still not over it, then now’s your chance to relive it all again.

The hit BBC comedy, co-created by and starring Ruth Jones and James Corden, came to a dramatic conclusion over Christmas last year after 17 years, three seasons and plenty of anticipation.

The 90-minute special was so popular that it raked in one of the BBC’s biggest ever audiences at over 19.1million viewers.

That’s a figure that is rarer-than-rare in the current TV landscape (for comparison, the recent season of Celebrity Traitors, by far the BBC’s biggest release this year, peaked at 15m).

Given the widespread displeasure at this year’s festive TV schedule, those fondly reminiscing on their 2024 Christmas highlights can catch the finale on BBC One later tonight with the family.

The episode begins with a wedding between Sonia and Smithy, but, as it has all been leading up to (after a chaotic turn of events), Smithy and Nessa finally choose each other and say ‘I do’ as the credits roll.

Gavin and Stacey: The Finale,Bryn (ROB BRYDON), Gwen (MELANIE WALTERS), Jason (ROBERT WILFORT), Smithy (JAMES CORDEN), Gavin (MATHEW HORNE), Stacey (JOANNA PAGE), Nessa (RUTH JONES), Mick (LARRY LAMB), Pam (ALISON STEADMAN), Peter (ADRIAN SCARBOROUGH), Dawn (JULIA DAVIS)
The finale is one of the most watched shows in BBC history, with a whopping 19m viewers (Picture: BBC/Toffee International Ltd./Tom Jackson)

In the face of sky-high expectations to stick the landing, the cast and crew pulled off a blinder with a Barry Island special that totally won audiences over.

Perhaps we didn’t ever find out what happened on that fishing trip – but otherwise it was near-perfect for many fans.

What did Metro think of Gavin and Stacey: The Finale

Josie Copson shares why it was a five-star ending…

It’s undeniable that the show has meant a lot to me over the years, as it has to many people. It made me laugh on days where I couldn’t find joy in pretty much anything else. It was my original and ultimate comfort show, so it’s natural I always wanted it to stick around.

But now, after three seasons, 22 episodes, a trio of which were Christmas specials, we’ll no longer be able to see what’s occurin’ with Gavin, Stacey and their loved ones but that feels right. It was certainly well lush while it lasted.

Read the full review here.

Although we won’t see Nessa, Smithy and the gang back on screens, Ruth did take a trip down memory lane in her BBC show, Ruth and Steve: From Porthcawl With Love.

While showing Stella co-star Steve Spiers around her hometown, she gave Gavin and Stacey fans a cheeky treat by briefly slipping back into Nessa.

Undated BBC Handout Photo from Gavin and Stacey: The Finale. Pictured: Mick (LARRY LAMB), Pam (ALISON STEADMAN), Smithy (JAMES CORDEN), Bryn (ROB BRYDON), Jason (ROBERT WILFORT). PA Feature SHOWBIZ TV Gavin And Stacey. WARNING: This picture must only be used to accompany PA???Feature SHOWBIZ TV Gavin And Stacey. PA Photo. Picture crNOTE TO EDITORS: This picture must only be used to accompany PA Feature SHOWBIZ TV Gavin And Stacey. edit should read: BBC/Toffee International Ltd./Tom Jackson. WARNING: Use of this copyright image is subject to the terms of use of BBC Pictures' BBC Digital Picture Service. In particular, this image may only be published in print for editorial use during the publicity period (the weeks immediately leading up to and including the transmission week of the relevant programme or event and three review weeks following) for the purpose of publicising the programme, person or service pictured and provided the BBC and the copyright holder in the caption are credited. Any use of this image on the internet and other online communication services will require a separate prior agreement with BBC Pictures. For any other purpose whatsoever, including advertising and commercial prior written approval from the copyright holder will be required.
Despite the pressure to deliver, they pulled off an epic goodbye (Picture: PA Wire)

Reflecting on meeting Nessa in the flesh at a Q&A, Steve joked: ‘I auditioned ten times for Gavin and Stacey. They said no, every time. So I’ve never acted with Nessa.’

Then added: ‘I think this is an absolute credit to the character that Ruth created, that when Ruth gets into all that gear, there’s a massive metamorphosis.

‘When I went to act with that character, I just had this really weird feeling that I wasn’t acting with Ruth, like something else had taken over as this Nessa character.’

For now, however, if you’re missing your comfort watch, then tune in tonight when it returns to screens.

Gavin and Stacey: The Finale is airing on BBC One at 8:25pm tonight and streaming on BBC iPlayer now.

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