Gavin and Stacey, the stole that captured our hearts in its original 2007-2010 run, returns for one final episode on Christmas Day — with fans eager to see loose ends finally tied up.
Ruth Jones has been on suitably foul-mouthed form in promoting the ‘finale’ alongside her writing and (on-screen) partner James Corden this week. The pair have also announced an upcoming book.
In addition to introducing millions to the concept of a jamdani hash curry, the show has helped launch the careers of its writers and other cast members — even if Corden and Mathew Horne haven’t always been best buds.
Gavin and Stacey returned to screens in 2019 for a one-off Christmas special — nearly a decade after concluding its third and final series on New Year’s Day in 2010.
Here is what the main cast members have been doing since.
Ruth Jones as Nessa Jenkins
Ruth Jones stole the show as the beloved character Nessa, the humorous amusement park employee and "original member" of All Saints who gets pregnant after a one-night fling with Smithy (James Corden).
The 58-year-old went on to work on historical plays and host her own talk show, Ruth Jones' Christmas Cracker, after Gavin and Stacey. She has also written three novels.
Will Nessa be back for the finale? Absolutely. Jones has again written the episode and is set to star in the renowned role.
Mathew Horne as Gavin Shipman
Mathew Horne, 46, is still best known for his lead role as Gavin Shipman but has appeared in various projects.
He is currently starring in The Tempest at the Theatre Royal Drury Lane and is a familiar face to The Catherine Tate Show fans as Jamie. His other notable credits include Dad’s Army and Inside No. 9.
Will Gavin return for the finale? Absolutely. After all, you can’t have Gavin and Stacey without Gavin!
Joanna Page as Stacey Shipman
The Welsh actress, 47, has starred in several TV shows since playing Stacey, including The Masked Singer, Midsomer Murders, and Doctor Who. She is married to fellow actor James Thornton and the pair starred together in the BBC adaptation of the Charles Dickens novel David Copperfield.
Will Stacey be back for the finale? Too right she will.
James Corden as Smithy
Show writer James Corden, 46, took his character Smithy beyond the series, performing skits as the loudmouth for the BBC before hosting the Brit Awards under his own name.
He has since found fame Stateside with an eight-year stint as host of The Late Late Show and has also built an impressive film career, with credits including Peter Rabbit, Into the Woods, Ocean’s 8, Smallfoot, and the ill-fated Cats.
Will Smithy be in the finale? Of course he will.
Rob Brydon as Bryn West
Rob Brydon, 59, has been busy since playing Uncle Bryn, starring in The Trip alongside Steve Coogan and presenting Would I Lie to You?
He even popped up in Barbie last year, playing Sugar Daddy Ken.
Will Bryn be in the finale? It wouldn’t be the same without him.
Larry Lamb as Mick Shipman
As Gavin's grounded father Mick, Lamb's character was a calming influence on his spouse Pam and enjoyed playing golf and having a beer at the bar.
Lamb, 77, took to the dance floor alongside five other celebrities for the festive episode of Strictly Come Dancing in 2022. He is also well-known for playing Archie Mitchell in EastEnders.
Will Mick be in the finale? Yes, Gavin’s dad will return.
Alison Steadman as Pam Shipman
Gavin's extravagant Essex mother, Pamela, played by Alison Steadman, made people chuckle throughout the show.
Steadman, 78, was in the 2022 sitcom Here We Go, where she played Sue Jessop, a devoted mother.
She also reunited with co-star Lamb to travel down memory lane on a 210-mile road trip. This was from Billericay in Essex to South Wales’s Barry Island for the 2023 TV show Alison & Larry: Billericay to Barry.
Will Pam be back for the finale? She will.
Melanie Walters as Gwen West
Melanie Walters, 62, plays Gwen, the widowed mother of Stacey.
Walters has appeared in several TV shows since 2019, including Father Brown, Biff & Chip, and The Snow Spider. She also starred as Iris in the 2021 film La Cha Cha.
Will Gwen be back for the finale? Yes, according to MailOnline.
Adrian Scarborough and Julia Davis as Pete and Dawn Sutcliffe
Pete and Dawn are memorable supporting characters, consistently featured throughout the show.
Scarborough, 56, is an accomplished actor who has frequently appeared in supporting roles, most recently Sky’s Mr Bigstuff. Davis, 58, has appeared in A Very British Scandal and Fighting with My Family.
Will Pete and Dawn be back for the finale? It seems likely given they are on the poster.
Sheridan Smith as Rudi
What hasn’t Sheridan Smith, 43, done since Gavin and Stacey? As an actress, she has become a major star on stage and screen. She has also released two albums as a singer.
Most recently, she was unable to save Opening Night from closing early on the West End and also this year revealed she had been diagnosed with ADHD.
Will Rudi be back for the finale? Apparently yes, according to the Sun, although she was not in the 2019 special.
* The Gavin & Stacey Christmas 2024 special will premiere on BBC One and iPlayer at 9pm on Christmas Day
