A Gavin & Stacey Christmas special is reportedly in the works, according to Deadline. James Corden and Ruth Jones’ sitcom will film a new episode over the summer with a view to airing at Christmas time this year, five years on from the previous ratings-topping special.
The TV and film industry news website states that a new episode is in development/pre-production and cameras will roll in a few months time on the show, which is produced by Steve Coogan’s Baby Cow, Jones’ Tidy Productions and Fulwell 73, which is co-owned by Corden.
Gavin & Stacey is one of the most-watched sitcoms of all time and the 2019 Christmas special was the most-watched show in a decade at more than 18m viewers. Are you happy it’s returning? Let us know in the comments.
READ MORE: BBC respond to Gavin and Stacey return
Deadline also reports that the majority of the main cast will likely return for the special. Other than Corden and Jones, Gavin & Stacey stars Matthew Horne and Joanna Page in the titular roles along with an ensemble cast including Rob Brydon, Alison Steadman, Larry Lamb and Julia Davis.
The last episode ended with a cliffhanger, with Nessa (Jones) proposing to Smithy (Corden). The nature of the cliffhanger has led fans to believe that the show will return.
In the past the show’s cast have been vocal about wanting to return – though some have cast doubt on future episodes. Speaking to MailOnline, Joanna Page – who recently shared her delight at meeting stars of The Traitors – said: “I can see them never doing any more because it was nice to leave it on a cliffhanger because it's up to the viewer to imagine what would have happened. So I can imagine them ending it like that.”
She added at the time: “I wouldn't be surprised if I didn't get the call, and I wouldn't be surprised if I did. But all I can say is, if they were going to do another one I hope it's soon because we're all getting so old, I don't particularly want to see Stacey get that much older. And if there is a comeback, I'll find out at the same time as the public because I don't get told anything.”
Last December Alison Steadman shared how, upon wrapping the last Christmas, she was very emotional. The 77-year-old told The Mirror: "I have to say it is the only show I have ever worked on where when we finished each character’s final scenes like, ‘That’s a wrap for Alison Steadman’, everyone used to put their heads down and cry as we were so sad it was over.
"It was such a good experience for everyone. I think the magic of the series was that everyone loved each other and the audience loves that." Alison hopes one day Ruth and James, who play Nessa and Smithy and created the series, will write a reunion episode. She says: "Pamela was a great part to play. I was thrilled to bits when I was given that role. I just knew this was going to be good."
WalesOnline have approached the BBC, who declined to comment.
Gavin & Stacey airs on BBC One and BBC iPlayer. For the latest TV & Showbiz news, sign up to our newsletter.
