The things in Gavin and Stacey's first episode that show just how much life has changed
Gavin and Stacey will be making a triumphant return this festive season, with a special episode aired on Christmas Day (Wednesday, December 25). It has been a remarkable 17 years for the show, created by Ruth Jones and James Corden, and has brought many laughter, joy and tears in those years.
The Christmas Special will be the last ever episode, with fans brimming with speculations and theories on how the successful sitcom will conclude. For the latest TV & Showbiz news, sign up to our newsletter.
For the cast, crew and fans alike, many will say the reason the Welsh series has been such a success is how relatable it is. Gavin & Stacey focuses on the blossoming relationship between Gavin, played by Mathew Horne, and Stacey, played by Joanna Page, who both live on the opposite side of the Severn Bridge and decide to go on their first date having never met face-to-face.
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In the episodes that follow, we get to see how their relationship grows, and more specifically, how their families and friends get to know each other. For those who haven't watched the series, Gavin & Stacey is ultimately about love, family and friendship.
Although these are timely topics, there are things from the past series that indicate life has changed very much since then. Ahead of the Gavin & Stacey: The Finale, we have taken a look at the first episode in particular to see how life has changed.
Gavin and Stacey never seeing each other before their first meeting
The initial episode revolves around Gavin and Stacey seeing each other in person for the first time. They had been phone friends for months before finally arranging to meet in Leicester Square.
This was also the first time they had ever seen each other. But if you can recall, back in 2007, FaceTime didn't exist and the other social media platforms didn't have video calling. Maybe that's why they brought along their best mates, Smithy and Nessa, for moral support.
Smoking in bars/ public transport
Do you recall a time when smoking was permitted inside pubs, bars, restaurants, and on public transport? In Wales, the smoking ban came into effect on April 2, 2007, while the ban in England came in three months later.
So the first series was presumably shot, and then aired, just prior to the smoking ban in England that July. In the first episode, Nessa is seen smoking on Dave's coaches en route to London, which now we can all agree, can be considered a fire hazard.
A bit further on in the episode at the bar, smoking is a common sight, both indoors and outdoors, with ashtrays scattered everywhere. In fact, it seemed like everyone was lighting up in this episode. But it's a strange sight for us, accustomed as we are to seeing people relegated to designated outdoor smoking areas.
Mobile phones before the iPhones
The episode begins with Stacey making a call to Nessa on an old-school flip phone - remember those? Before the era of iPhones, flip phones were all the rage back in 2007, and most of the cast, including Gavin and Smithy, are seen using one.
The Severn bridge tolls
When Gavin returns to Billericay after his night with Stacey in London, he immediately jumps in his car to surprise heer in Barry. We see Gavin driving over the bridge and although we don't actually see him stop, we know he would have had to pay the toll to enter Wales via the Severn bridges - a scene that recurs later in the series.
This is now a distant memory for us, as the tolls were officially scrapped in December 2018. And for the car lovers out there, Gavin was driving a Citroën Saxo, which was last manufactured in 2003, which would make that car around 21 years old by now.
The fashion
The clothes and hairstyles in the first episode are a clear indication that the series was filmed in the noughties. From Smithy's baggy jeans to Gavin's buttoned up shirt, as well as Stacey's heart shaped belt and choppy bob, there is something so nostalgic about the way they look. However, some may argue that these sort of looks are making a comeback in today's fashion trends.
Gavin & Stacey: The Finale will be aired on Christmas Day at 9pm on both BBC One and BBC iPlayer.
