Filming for the final ever episode of Gavin & Stacey has officially begun, with the cast and crew gathering to shoot the special, which is set to air this Christmas. The BBC posted 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 underway with the star back in May.
A Final Farewell to Barry Island
The Gavin & Stacey cast were seen on set for the first time as filming for the Christmas Day special got under way on Monday. Nessa Jenkins, played by Ruth Jones, 57, was back in her trademark leather waistcoat and has a new business venture. The best friend of Stacey Shipman was seen carting passengers on Barry Island in a rickshaw - and she was finally reunited with Neil 'Smithy' Smith, who was wearing a wedding ring. But James Corden, who portrays Nessa's on-off love interest in the hit BBC sitcom, was directing the scenes rather than in character and so it is most likely his own, from his marriage to Julia Carey.
The actor and co-creator of the beloved comedy, 46, appeared in high spirits as he arrived at the sea front along with Stacey herself, played by Joanna Page.
A New Chapter for Nessa
Nessa's new job as a rickshaw driver follows her varied career - from working at the SH Amusements arcade, to being a news producer for the BBC. She has previous driving experience, having worked as a driver for Gladys Knight and the Pips, The Who and Eddie Stobart.
A Fond Farewell to a Beloved Show
James, meanwhile, sent Gavin & Stacey fans wild with excitement as he shared a snap from the first day of filming for the highly-anticipated return of the sitcom. The actor and co-creator of the beloved comedy took to his Instagram to post a behind-the-scenes photo from the set, as he confirmed shooting was underway.
The comedian looked focused as he reviewed the footage to ensure they had the perfect shot
Ruth had donned Nessa's signature black wig, hoop earrings and dragon tattoo
Ruth shared a laugh with the cinematographer as she filmed the cycling scenes
In Nessa's classic bizarre style, Ruth was also seen blowing on a harmonica as she rode
The crew watched the cameras closely, with James concentrating as filming started
Joanna got into character as Stacey as the cameras surrounded the rickshaw
Joanna and Ruth filmed scenes together outside with Stacey carrying her trusty Boots bag
The sound operators used boom microphones to ensure they captured all of the witty dialogue
It's clear the ladies are the best of friends as they caught up between takes
The onscreen BFFs erupted into laughter as they filmed on the street
They were seen leaning over the railings to talk to the crew below
Putting on Stacey's famous sunshine demeanor, Joanna waved to those below
The shot showed the side of James' character Neil 'Smithy' Smith's iconic blue Volvo, which he uses to advertise his builder and decorator services. Writing on the window read: 'Smithy’s: If your husband won’t do it – I will… Tilin, Roofin, Plasterin, & Feng Shui. Call me on 07700978978'.
Captioning the teasing shot, James wrote: 'Day 1. Here we go x' as his followers went wild in the comments, declaring: 'This is history'.
They wrote: 'All these years, you'd have thought smithy would get a new car. Can't wait though, more excited for this than Christmas itself'.
'Screw the fishing trip, screw the wedding, let's just have the best Christmas special for the ages!! Forget Oasis, THIS IS HISTORY; This means another rewatch.'
A Final Curtain Call for Nessa
Meanwhile, Ruth transformed into Nessa to say her goodbyes to Sister Act The Musical, following her turn as Mother Superior at London's Dominion Theatre. The actress, 57, joined the star-studded cast of the hit West End show in March, and went on to extend her run, taking to the stage for the final time last month.
And as she was lauded by her co-stars, Ruth treated the audience of her last show to visit from fan-favourite, Nessa, and teased the highly-anticipated return of Gavin & Stacey.
An Emotional Farewell
The last Christmas Day special set ratings records and became the most-viewed non-sporting event in a decade and most-watched comedy in 17 years
Fans have been clamoring to know the answers to the show's biggest questions such as Smithy's answer to Nessa's proposal and what happened on the fishing trip
Rob Brydon previously revealed he was 'moved to tears' when he saw the script and said the episode was going to be very 'emotional'
He revealed the cast knew the show was returning but had to keep it a secret until everything was organised and the script finished
He admitted: 'So you have to lie to people! It's a horrible feeling, because you don't want to lie to somebody right in the face'
It comes after Uncle Bryn star Rob Brydon hinted shooting was underway for the show, as he shared a selfie with co-star Ruth on Saturday
Joanna took to Instagram on Tuesday to share a snap of the front of her trailer door which said her character's name 'Stacey'. She wrote: 'First day!!!'
Fans will get to find out what has happened during the five-year break on Christmas Day this year (James, Joanna Page, Mathew Horne and Ruth pictured in 2019)
Rob previously revealed he was 'moved to tears' when he saw the script and said the episode was going to be very 'emotional'.
Speaking to Chris Evans live from Laverstoke Park Farm, Rob said of the final episode: 'First of all, we knew it was going to happen, but we were told we had to keep it a secret.
'So you have to lie to people! It's a horrible feeling, because you don't want to lie to somebody right in the face.'
He continued: 'It was a couple of months before the cast saw the script. I only saw it, we were on holiday, we were away, about a month ago. I read it. Oh, it's so good.'
When Chris asked Rob if he was saying that because he had to, Rob replied: 'No, I kind of wouldn't, actually. I don't want to tempt fate, but I think it's fantastic.'
He revealed: 'Do you know what? I was moved to tears, because it's emotional.'
One Last Time on the Island
In July, James gave a major Gavin & Stacey update as he appeared on Capital Breakfast radio, revealing that the final script was almost ready to go.
Host Jordan North asked him: 'Is it all written, is it all locked in? Is there still stuff to write?'
Gavin & Stacey co-creator James and Ruth confirmed the show would return in May, with filming back in Barry Island, after last airing a Christmas special in 2019
James replied: 'It's written right but now we're doing rewrites. So we have to, we have to remove some time, we have to change some bits around.
'So, we've been doing that, it's quite tough because Ruth Jones's (Nessa) in Sister Act over in the West End at the minute, and I'm doing The Constituent at the Old Vic.
'So, we've been doing quite a bit of writing in dressing rooms and things like that. And then both looking at each other being quite tired from the plays but we'll be back at it tomorrow.
'Back at it Friday. I hope by Friday… it will be done and finished this Friday!'
