Gavin and Stacey: The Record-Breaking Finale That Captivated a Nation

A Historic Television Moment

The final episode of Gavin and Stacey has made television history. According to the BBC, the final episode of the hit British sitcom — co-created by Ruth Jones and James Corden — is now the U.K.’s most-watched scripted show across all broadcasters and streamers since current records began in 2002. Ratings have already reached 19.3 million, smashing its own record from the 2019 “Gavin & Stacey” Christmas special, which reached 18.5 million in 28 days.

The Final Chapter Arrives

The final episode of Gavin & Stacey aired on 25 December 2024, 17 years after the show was first broadcast. Watched by 12.3 million on Christmas Day — the biggest overnight for the day since 2008 — “Gavin & Stacey: The Finale” has since added more than 6 million to that total and it well on track to surpass 20 million views when the 28-day figures are published. The 90-minute special resolved the cliffhanger from 2019, when Nessa dramatically proposed to Smithy on Barry Island.

What Made This Sitcom Special

Gavin & Stacey is a British sitcom created, written by and starring James Corden and Ruth Jones about two families: one from Billericay in Essex, and the other from Barry in the Vale of Glamorgan. Mathew Horne and Joanna Page play the eponymous characters Gavin and Stacey, while Corden and Jones star as their respective friends Smithy and Nessa. The series captured hearts by focusing on the humorous and heartwarming moments that arise when two very different families unite through love.

Beyond the Finale

The show’s legacy continues beyond its final episode. Gavin & Stacey stars, Matthew Horne and Joanna Page, have reunited just in time for Christmas. Following their long-running roles as Gavin Shipman and Stacey West – which culminated in last year’s TV special – the duo are set to appear in How to Say It With Food, a festive mini-series from Waitrose. Additionally, The two stars have now shared that they will be releasing a book dishing on the making of the beloved sitcom. When Gavin Met Stacey and Everything in Between: A Story of Love and Friendship is set to hit bookshelves on October 16 next year.

Looking Ahead

The Apple TV series, which is believed to be called The Choir, will see Jones and Corden star as estranged siblings who reunite after a few years apart, with the pair also serving as executive producers. In an interview with RadioTimes.com, Jones shared that filming for the upcoming Apple TV series would commence shortly. For millions of fans worldwide, Gavin and Stacey represents more than entertainment—it’s a cultural phenomenon that brought families together and created countless cherished memories over 17 years.