Gavin and Stacey's Joanna Page in tears over final scenes as she's comforted by co-star
After leaving fans on tenterhooks five years ago, the beloved cast of Gavin and Stacey are returning for a heart-warming Christmas goodbye. The festive special is shrouded in mystery, with viewers eager to discover if Smithy says 'yes' to Nessa's unexpected proposal.
Joanna Page, who plays Stacey, opened up about her emotional experience filming the final-ever episode. "Being on the set with everybody for the last time was traumatic," she said. "I knew I was going to cry as soon as I walked in. I saw Steve’s face, our first assistant director, and I just burst out crying. I went into my trailer and Julia Davis (who plays Dawn) came in to sit with me and I couldn’t stop crying because it felt like a huge journey that was ending.”
Mathew Horne, who stars as Gavin, added: "Intense is the only word for it!" The Christmas Day special will see the Shipman-West family gearing up for holiday cheer in Billericay, with Gavin and Stacey looking to add some zest to their 17-year marriage, Nessa (played by Ruth Jones) launching a new venture, and Smithy (James Corden) mentoring Neil the Baby, now a teenager, played by Oscar Hartland.
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Reflecting on the journey since the show first aired in 2007, co-creator and star James Corden said: "When I think back to when we started writing the show, almost 20 years ago, I couldn’t feel more like a different person really. Being part of it, as soon as it started to become successful, was incredibly intoxicating.”
Ruth, who later created the Sky comedy Stella and scooped up several Baftas, fondly shared: "It started off as a quiet little show on BBC Three with half a million viewers. It’s been a very special time in my life."
After their sensational 2019 special smashed records with over 17 million viewers, Ruth and James spent years perfecting their concept for the grand finale. "We actually didn’t know if it would ever come to fruition, because what we’ve always done is just write it for ourselves and then figure out if it’s good enough for an audience," James revealed. "Ruth and I, at various points, thought maybe we should do one, maybe we shouldn’t, but it’s such a privilege to be able to end a show on your own terms."
Commuting between Barry and Billericay became synonymous with Gavin and Stacey, so it was quite fitting that Joanna Page would read the script for this finale at a service station. "I was driving home from another job and I pulled into the services," Joanna said. "I was waiting for a burger when it came up on my phone and I thought, ‘Oh, my God, I’ve got something that loads of people here in the service station would love to see!’"
The highly-anticipated comeback will see familiar faces including Alison Steadman (Pam), Larry Lamb (Mick), and Rob Brydon (Uncle Bryn). Brydon confessed that he has saved all of Uncle Bryn's wardrobe for a heartfelt cause.
"I’ve got suits and jumpers and cardigans," Rob divulged. "I’ve got the apron from when he cooked Christmas dinner on the last special. So keep your eyes on charity auctions near you!"
Gavin and Stacey: The Finale airs on Christmas Day at 9pm on BBC One and BBC iPlayer.
