Filming for the long-awaited final episode of the beloved sitcom Gavin and Stacey has begun in Barry Island, with the cast and crew gathering to shoot the special, which is set to air this Christmas. The BBC shared an image of the first clapperboard on Instagram to confirm the news, along with the caption: “Oh. My. Christ. 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.” Meanwhile, co-creator and Smithy star James Corden also confirmed the news, posting a picture of Smithy’s van to his own Instagram along with the caption: “Day 1. Here we go x”
Bryn star Rob Brydon got fans excited over the weekend, posting an image of himself alongside co-creator and Nessa star Ruth Jones, with the caption: “Something’s occurring… #gavinandstacey”
The plot and most of the cast details from the special are yet to be confirmed, although we know all the central cast are returning. It has also been reported that Sheridan Smith could be returning as Smithy’s sister Rudi, with The Sunday Mirror saying that informal discussions were under way with the star back in May.
Recently, Brydon revealed that he first read the script “about a month ago” and called it “fantastic.” He continued: “Do you know what? I was moved to tears, because it’s emotional.”
Fans may be surprised that filming has only just begun, given the Christmas release date, and Corden did admit earlier this year that “it’s going to be tight to get it in and delivered.” He explained: “Building that show, it’s like building a Jenga puzzle. Cast availability and things like that. I think it’ll be OK.”
Filming Update: Nessa's Fate Remains Unclear
Fans have been eagerly awaiting the final episode since the last Christmas special ended on a cliffhanger when Nessa proposed to Smithy. The question of whether he will say yes has been a major source of speculation and excitement for viewers, and filming for the special episode has only heightened anticipation. While details about the storyline are being kept tightly under wraps, images from the set have provided clues about what might be in store for the beloved characters.
Nessa's Departure? A suitcase and a final farewell
Fans have been speculating about Nessa's fate after images from the set showed her wheeling a suitcase behind her, looking like she might be leaving Barry Island for good in the final episode. Nessa was seen locking up the amusement arcade where she works for a final time, sparking rumors that she might be leaving for a life in Essex with Smithy or that she is leaving because he turned her down. Could it be that Nessa is leaving Barry Island for Essex to be with Smithy after she proposed to him in the last episode in 2019 or that she is leaving because he turned her down? Fans are eager to find out his answer. Earlier in the day, Nessa was also spotted without an engagement ring on her finger, suggesting all did not go to plan... or perhaps the writers are simply keeping us guessing.
The Stars of Gavin and Stacey Return to Barry Island
Ruth Jones, James Corden, and Joanna Page have all been spotted filming for the Christmas Day special in Barry Island. Corden and Jones, dressed as her character Nessa, were seen with their arms around each other on Barry seafront in south Wales, while they were also welcomed to the area by fans. Speaking to the BBC, Corden admitted that filming the finale was “overwhelming.” Corden and Jones, dressed as her character Nessa, were seen with their arms around each other on Barry seafront in south Wales. Earlier on Tuesday morning, Jones was seen in a rickshaw with her co-star Joanna Page, as Stacey, in the back. Corden told BBC News it was “wonderful” to be back in Barry. “There’s so much history over the past 17 years here,” he said. “And I think it’s an incredibly special place with really, really special people.” “It’s lovely to be here, but it’s also the feeling of being like, this is the last time I think we’ll be on the island,” Corden added. “I remember when we were here and Matt [Horne] and Jo [Page], when she comes off the bus and jumps into his arms, or the episode we did down on the beach. It feels fantastic to be here.”
Barry Island: The Heart of Gavin and Stacey
The show's creators have emphasized the importance of Barry Island to the series. Jones, Corden, and Page have been spotted filming in numerous iconic locations on the island, including the seafront, Marco's café, and O'Shea's Fish & Chip Cafe. James Corden was also pictured on the set on Barry Island seafront. Joanna Page as Stacey walking near Marco's cafe in Barry. These locations have played a significant role in defining the show's unique charm and capturing the spirit of Welsh culture. The stars have also been warmly welcomed back to Barry Island by fans who are eager to see the final episode of the sitcom. Fans still have over four months to wait until the highly-anticipated Christmas special. And filming for Gavin And Stacey continued on Wednesday as Ruth Jones was seen filming in the iconic setting of Barry Island.
A Christmas to Remember: The Final Curtain for Gavin & Stacey?
The final episode of Gavin & Stacey is sure to be a bittersweet occasion for fans, as they bid farewell to a show that has entertained them for over a decade. The sitcom, which aired for three series between 2007 and 2010, followed the central characters of Gavin and Stacey - played by Mathew Horne and Joanna Page - as they pursued a relationship across Essex and south Wales. It returned in 2019 for a Christmas special that ended on a cliffhanger when Nessa got down on one knee to propose to Smithy. The special has been a huge success, attracting an average audience of 11.6 million viewers, making it the biggest festive special since Christmas Day 2008. By the new year, it had been viewed by 17.1 million people, making it the biggest scripted programme of the decade at the time. It went on to win the impact award at the National Television Awards in 2020.
The Future of Gavin & Stacey: A Farewell or a New Beginning?
The Christmas Day episode is billed as a finale, but there’s always a chance for more episodes in the future. Gavin & Stacey is a beloved show with a devoted fanbase, and the creators may be open to revisiting the characters in a few years. For now, fans can eagerly await the final episode, which promises to be a poignant and unforgettable ending to a series that has captured hearts around the world. The episode is expected to wrap up the storylines of the characters, with the possibility of leaving room for future projects or collaborations. The possibilities are endless for the future of the show, and fans can only wait with anticipation to see what the creators have in store.
