The final episode of Gavin and Stacey aired on Christmas Day – and fans were left howling over a scene that appeared to break BBC rules
Many Gavin and Stacey viewers were in stitches after spotting Ruth Jones’s character Nessa puffing on a ciggie and a vape simultaneously. The iconic BBC sitcom wrapped up on Christmas Day, putting an end to 14 years of giggles and sniffles.
In the final episode, we found out that James Corden’s Smithy hadn’t taken up Nessa’s proposal from the 2019 Christmas special, choosing instead to tie the knot with Sonia, played by Laura Aikman.
The finale kicked off with Smithy gearing up for his stag do before he was due to say ‘I do’ to Sonia. The bash saw all the beloved characters come together for one last hurrah – but Nessa was battling her feelings as the big day loomed closer.
We saw her dual-wielding a fag and a vape, trying to deal with her nerves outside. This cheeky moment caught the eye of telly buffs – who know full well the Beeb usually steers clear of showing smoking on the box.
Loads of fans buzzed over to social media to express their shock, delight, and giggles at the scene, reports the Mirror.
One viewer tweeted: “Gavin and Stacey fans were stunned Not me wondering if they’d sensor Nessa’s smoking in the big old year of 2024, only for them to have her swinging between a vape AND a cigarette #GavinAndStacey.”
Another chimed in with: “PLEASE Nessa vaping and smoking at the same time she’s literally just a girl #GavinAndStacey.”
Someone else said: “Nessa was always going to be smoking a cig and vape at the same time #GavinAndStacey.”
Another devotee hailed Ruth Jones’ character as legendary for her antics, posting: “Nessa vaping and smoking at the same time. My queen forever. #GavinAndStacey.”
The episode also raised eyebrows with a surprise John Lewis cameo, breaking the Beeb’s usual no-no on brand plugs. Smithy was seen legging it through the store hunting for his bride-to-be Sonia, sparking chatter online.
A fan mused on Twitter: “Lot of talk about John Lewis wedding list plug on #gavinandstaceythefinale. There was a time when beeb would have imploded. In fairness some good lines in the big festive watch.”
Curiosity bubbled over which John Lewis branch starred, with one fan quizzing on Twitter: “Folks, where is that John Lewis? I think it’s Chelmsford? #GavinAndStacey,” only to be corrected by another user who confidently stated: “That was Cardiff JL.”
The finale left viewers gutted as it hinted Smithy might actually tie the knot with Sonia instead of Nessa. Fans flooded Twitter with their dismay, with one lamenting: “Everyone watching Gavin and Stacey now knowing Smithy did not say yes to Nessa. #GavinAndStacey.”
Another despaired: “Nooooo #GavinAndStacey #GavinandStacey.”
And yet another fan cried out: “Gavin and Stacey ruined, why arnt nessa and smithy together?”
The finale of the beloved series had fans buzzing with excitement as Pam Ferris and Sheridan Smith made a surprise return, reprising their roles as Cath Smith and Ruth ‘Rudi’ Smith. The duo appeared just in time to witness Smithy’s walk down the aisle, stealing the show for many viewers.
Fans couldn’t contain their joy at seeing Sheridan shine once again in her role. One viewer gushed on social media: “They even got Sheridan Smith back, this is perfect, I’m so happy #GavinAndStacey.”
Another chimed in: “The best thing so far about Gavin and Stacey is that Sheridan Smith got the appearance in the finale she deserved! So happy to see her!!” Some fans even credited the show for catapulting Sheridan to fame, with one remarking: “Sheridan Smith blew up not long after #GavinAndStacey aired for the first time.”
Meanwhile, Pam Ferris, known for her iconic role as Miss Agatha Trunchbull in Matilda, also received a warm welcome from the audience.
A thrilled fan posted: “PAM FERRIS! Now we’re talking #GavinAndStacey.”
Another added: “The ICON that is Pam Ferris!! Soo glad they brought her back #GavinAndStacey.”
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