Image: BBC Press
By Jon Donnis
Christmas just got a little brighter with the announcement of Gavin & Stacey: The Finale. Fans of the iconic series can look forward to one last festive hurrah with the lovable (and laughably dysfunctional) Shipmans and Wests. Set to air on Christmas Day, it's the ultimate way to wrap up a show that has captured hearts for years. That said, there's one glaring issue hanging over the special like a lump of coal in a stocking: James Corden.
Let's get the positives out of the way, though, because there's a lot to celebrate. Ruth Jones is back as the ever-glorious Nessa, and you just know she's going to steal every scene with her razor-sharp wit and endearing no-nonsense charm. Fans are eager to see what's next for Nessa after her dramatic, down-on-one-knee proposal to Smithy all those years ago. Will she and Smithy end up together? If anyone can make it work, it's Nessa.
The rest of the cast is also bringing their A-game. Alison Steadman's Pam is set to deliver another round of over-the-top hilarity, and Larry Lamb's Mick will no doubt be the calming force we've come to adore. Rob Brydon's Bryn is back in all his quirky glory, packing his beloved Picasso and undoubtedly preparing to drop more bizarre nuggets of wisdom. And Joanna Page and Mathew Horne return as Stacey and Gavin, tackling the relatable challenges of long-term marriage with warmth and humour.
Behind the scenes, Ruth Jones deserves every bit of praise for keeping the show's heart and soul intact. Her writing is as sharp and heartfelt as ever, and the entire creative team has managed to preserve the magic that made Gavin & Stacey such a beloved classic. Special shoutout to Christine Gernon, the director, whose steady hand has guided this ensemble into delivering comedy gold time and again.
But then there's James Corden.
To call him the elephant in the room would be an understatement. While Gavin & Stacey is a cherished British institution, Corden's involvement has become increasingly hard to overlook. His co-writing credits may technically make him one of the brains behind the show, but it's Ruth Jones who seems to bring the soul. Corden's off-screen antics, from stories of diva-like behaviour, stealing jokes from comedians like Ricky Gervais to his reputation as a less-than-gracious public figure, have left a sour taste for many fans. And now the US has got sick of him, he has returned the UK to try to rebuild his career.
It's a shame, really, because Smithy as a character is a good idea. But knowing what we know about Corden, it's difficult to separate the character from the man. And while audiences will undoubtedly relish the interactions between Smithy and Nessa, there's a lingering sense that we'd enjoy it a lot more if Corden weren't so… Corden.
Still, Gavin & Stacey: The Finale is shaping up to be a Christmas cracker of a special. With a stellar cast, heartwarming stories, and the chance to say goodbye to some of television's most iconic characters, it's set to deliver the kind of nostalgic joy we all need this time of year. Just maybe keep a mince pie handy to throw at the screen when Smithy shows up.
Whether or not you can stomach Corden's involvement, the finale is bound to remind us why we fell in love with Barry and Billericay in the first place. And for that, we have Ruth Jones and the rest of the incredible team to thank. Merry Christmas, and good riddance (hopefully) to Corden.
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