The BBC is reportedly set to treat Gavin & Stacey fans with a double helping of the show this Christmas.
Earlier this month, the sitcom’s stars James Corden, 45, and Ruth Jones, 57, announced that Gavin and Stacey was returning for one last episode.
In addition to the grand finale, Beeb bosses have commissioned a special behind-the-scenes documentary which will look at the programme’s 17-year history.
Cameras have been following the cast, including title stars Mathew Horne and Joanna Page as they film scenes for the last ever instalment.
A TV insider told The Sun: ‘The Beeb view this as a momentous occasion and wanted to give Gavin & Stacey a suitably auspicious send-off.
The BBC is set to treat Gavin & Stacey fans with a double helping of the show this Christmas (L-R: James Corden as Neil ‘Smithy’ Smith, Joanna Page as Stacey Shipman, Mathew Horne as Gavin Shipman and Ruth Jones as Nessa Jenkins, in the 2019 Gavin & Stacey Christmas special)
Earlier this month, the sitcom’s stars James Corden, 45, and Ruth Jones, 57, announced that Gavin and Stacey was returning for one last episode, and a documentary will also air (James and Ruth pictured last month)
‘The fact that the documentary will be made by Fulwell 73, which is co-owned by James and is a co-producer of the sitcom, means they’ll enjoy full access on set and get all the biggest chats.
‘It is likely to be made in tandem with the show itself, filming the creative process of delivering the finale from the first to the last day.’
It comes after it emerged Sheridan Smith has held talks over appearing in the Gavin & Stacey special.
The 42-year-old actress could reprise the role of Ruth ‘Rudi’ Smith for the last-ever episode of the BBC comedy show.
A source told the Sunday Mirror newspaper: ‘The script for Gavin & Stacey: The Finale includes all of the show’s major players – including Smithy’s sister Rudi.
‘Nothing has been signed and conversations are still very much ongoing – especially as the filming date has not been set.
‘But all of the stops are being pulled out to make sure the whole cast are there, and in the coming weeks the production team hope to pin down everyone’s availability.’
Sheridan remains on friendly terms with James, who is determined to ensure that the hit TV show ends with a bang.
Sheridan Smith has reportedly ‘signed a deal’ to return for the last ever episode of Gavin & Stacey (pictured last month)
The actress is said to be joining the iconic cast for the Christmas special as James’ on-screen sister Rudi Smith
Sheridan played Ruth ‘Rudi’ Smith, known for her tumultuous relationship with James’s character Smithy, plus their impromptu raps, and is a cult favourite with fans
James and Ruth confirmed the sitcom’s return on social media with a post featuring the creators holding up a script titled Gavin and Stacey: the finale earlier this month
The insider shared: ‘Sheridan and James are still friendly – they recently bumped into each other at the Variety Club Awards and got on really well. So the hope is that she will be able to be part of it.
‘She did not appear in the Christmas Special because her character was not part of that storyline, but it has been a different story this time around. Everyone is very excited about this episode – it is going to be a phenomenal last hurrah for the series, which is exactly what it deserves.’
Earlier this month, James and Ruth Jones announced that Gavin & Stacey was returning for one last episode.
They wrote on social media: ‘Some news… It’s official!!! We have finished writing the last ever episode of Gavin and Stacey. See you on Christmas Day, BBC One. Love Ruth and James [heart emoji] (sic).’
