Filming for the Final Episode of BBC’s Gavin and Stacey Begins

Hannah Roberts, PA Entertainment Reporter

2 September 2024 at 8:45 pm

The highly anticipated final episode of the iconic BBC sitcom Gavin and Stacey has officially commenced filming. This beloved series, co-written by celebrated actors Ruth Jones and James Corden, is set to make a grand return on Christmas Day this year.

The announcement was made on Monday by the BBC, accompanied by a photo of a clapperboard dated September 2, bearing the inscription “Gavin & Stacey The Finale.” This exciting reveal was shared on the official BBC iPlayer Instagram account, capturing the enthusiasm of fans worldwide.

In a nod to Alison Steadman’s character Pam, the post’s caption read: “Oh. My. Christ.” It further added, “The final episode of Gavin & Stacey started filming today. Truth be told, we’re a little bit excited. Watch #GavinandStacey on #iPlayer this Christmas Day.”

Gavin and Stacey originally captivated audiences with three series that aired between 2007 and 2010. The show made a triumphant comeback in 2019 with a special Christmas episode that left viewers on the edge of their seats as Nessa (Jones) proposed to Smithy (Corden), ending on a dramatic cliff-hanger.

James Corden, the former chat show host who plays Smithy, took to Instagram on May 3 to announce the show’s return. He shared a nostalgic image of himself and Jones holding a 2024 script titled “Gavin and Stacey: The Finale,” sparking excitement among fans.

In the beloved sitcom, Mathew Horne and Joanna Page star as the titular characters Gavin and Stacey. The cast also includes Larry Lamb as Gavin’s father Mick, Melanie Walters as Stacey’s widowed mother Gwen, and Rob Brydon as her quirky Uncle Bryn.

Corden disclosed in July that he and Jones had completed writing the script for the final episode, heightening anticipation for the series’ conclusion.

The 2019 Christmas special garnered the highest overnight Christmas ratings in over a decade, with an average audience of 11.6 million viewers. By the new year, it had amassed an impressive 17.1 million viewers, becoming the biggest scripted program of the decade at that time. This episode’s success was further cemented when it won the Impact Award at the National Television Awards in 2020.

With filming underway, fans eagerly await the conclusion of Gavin and Stacey’s heartfelt and humorous journey, making this final episode one of the most anticipated television events of the year.