Gavin and Stacey wrapped up its final episode on Christmas Day, marking the conclusion to the 17-year story.
The BBC comedy first aired back in 2007, with the final series having aired in 2010. In the years since, sporadic festive episodes has kept the series alive, but Wednesday’s instalment was the final visit to the much-loved characters of Barry Island and Billericay.
Prior to this year’s Christmas special, fans were left on a huge cliffhanger following 2019’s festive episode, the latest to have aired.
Fan favourite Nessa Jenkins (played by Ruth Jones) proposed to James Cordon’s character Smithy, and viewers were left wondering for five years how he had responded.
They finally got their answer on Wednesday, with several other loose ends wrapped up in what was deemed a “beautiful” send-off to the long-running series.
While there were several moving scenes, one in particular had viewers “in tears” as Smithy was forced to make a huge decision, and relied on Mick (Larry Lamb) for reassurance.
The Gavin and Stacey finale had fans ‘in tears’
BBC
It had transpired in the episode that Smithy had in fact not said yes to Nessa’s proposal, and was now engaged to girlfriend Sonia.
While Nessa and the other central characters agreed Sonia wasn’t right for Smithy, they had kept quiet – until the big day.
As Smithy and Sonia stood at the alter, Gavin Shipman (Mathew Horne) finally confessed to his best friend that he didn’t think he should go through with the marriage.
Eventually, the other guests admitted to their doubts, standing up when asked if they agreed with Gavin. However, not wanting to add to the drama, Mick remained seated.
Gavin and Stacey concluded with one final episode on Christmas Day
BBC
As Sonia pressed for the vows to continue, Smithy demonstrated how much Mick’s guidance meant to him as he paused and turned to his best friend’s dad, awaiting his opinion.
Eventually Mick also stood, sealing Smithy’s decision to end the ceremony and instead track down Nessa to declare his love for her.
The touching moment left fans emotional, with many talking about the scene on X.
One user wrote: “The absolute best part of that finale #GavinAndStacey,” along with a crying emoji.
“That moment really was everything definitely the highlight of the finale,” a second agreed.
A third shared: “It was a powerful scene! Take note all!” while a different X user commented: “Summed up their relationship beautifully.”
James Corden’s character Smithy married Nessa (Ruth Jones) in the final Gavin and Stacey episode
BBC
“Actual tears,” another admitted, while one fan labelled it “the most poignant part ever”.
“I’m not crying. You’re crying,” one viewer joked. (sic)
The series concluded with Nessa agreeing to marry Smithy before scenes depicted their big day and all the characters celebrating before the credits rolled.