James Corden gives huge update on Gavin and Stacey’s final episode

James Corden has issued a massive update on the final episode of Gavin & Stacey just before filming is scheduled to begin.

The beloved sitcom, which originally ran between 2007 and 2010, followed the titular characters – played by Mathew Horne and Joanna Page – as they maintained a long-distance relationship between Essex and South Wales.

And it came back for a bombshell Christmas episode in 2019, with fans gasping and screaming at their TVs when it ended on the mother of all cliffhangers.

And now we’re just five months way from finding out Smithy’s answer to Ness’ proposal, with the Christmas special and last ever episode coming in December 2024.

The wonderful news was announced earlier this year, and James – who writes the show with Ness’ actress Ruth Jones – says it’ll be all systems go ‘in the next few days’.

Speaking on Virgin Radio, he told host Chris Evans that the final touches have been made to the script that everyone in British comedy wants to get their hands on.

‘We finished [the script] on Thursday. It was my niece’s18th birthday yesterday so my mum and dad, my sisters, their partners, my nephew, they all went to see Ruth in Sister Act.’

He continued: ‘So I then went to meet them in Ruth’s dressing room and we all had a glass of champagne and then they had to get the train, and Ruth and I walked back to her place, and we just sat and we had a drink.’

After a short writing session ensued, James and Ruth sent the cast a picture to let them know that work on the Christmas special would be beginning very soon.

‘We actually sent the cast a photo on our little chat group saying, “We’ve finished – we finished the rewrites and a script will be winding its way to you guys. It’ll be going – I guess they’ll get the script in the next few days.’

It’s been five years since the last Christmas episode, which saw Ness finally let her guard down in front of Smithy, proposing to him in front of the West house in Barry.

Before Smithy could answer, the episode cut to black, with fans having to wait five years to find out whether he said yes – and that wait is almost over.

Long-time fans of the series will be delighted to know that Larry Lamb and Alison Steadman will be reprising their roles as Gavin’s parents Pam and Mick.

Alison said: ‘I know it’s going to happen. I just haven’t seen the script – none of us have seen the script.’

When asked by The Mirror if her on-screen husband Larry would be joining her she added: ‘As far as I know, yes. We only found out [it was happening] for definite the other day.’

One person who won’t be making an appearance is Lewis Merchant, who played Neil the Baby, son of Smithy and Ness – Lewis has confirmed his acting days are very much behind him.

Despite being a part of an acting company, Lewis stopped acting a few years ago, explaining: ‘I was in an acting company but I don’t do that anymore, I just lost interest mainly, because I found I loved football and I preferred that.’

He told Metro.co.uk: ‘A few years ago I did audition for the newest Gavin and Stacey role, that’s probably the closest contact I’ve had to any cast members from back then.’

Gavin and Stacey returns to BBC One later this year.

Got a story?

If you’ve got a celebrity story, video or pictures get in touch with the Metro.co.uk entertainment team by emailing us celebtips@metro.co.uk, calling 020 3615 2145 or by visiting our Submit Stuff page – we’d love to hear from you.