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Two huge streaming services are set to go head to head with the BBC for a Gavin & Stacey spin-off show by offering a multi-million pound deal to writers James Corden and Ruth Jones.
12.5million viewers tuned into the iconic Christmas Day finale of the hit series on BBC One which saw James and Ruth’s characters Smithy and Nessa finally tie the knot.
However despite Netflix attempting to snap up the festive special from the BBC they were unsuccessful.
And now according to The Sun, Disney+ and Apple TV+ are said to be considering approaching Ruth and James and the sitcom’s producers about any future versions.
A TV insider said: ‘They see the viewing figures for the Christmas episode and realise how Gavin & Stacey has massive longevity.
‘More and more of the streamers, who are often associated more with the US, want to be seen as having an increasing amount of distinctly ‘British’ content.
Two huge streaming services are set to go head to head with the BBC for a Gavin & Stacey spin-off show by offering a multi-million pound deal to writers James Corden and Ruth Jones
12.5million viewers tuned into the iconic Christmas Day finale of the hit series on BBC One which saw James and Ruth’s characters Smithy and Nessa finally tie the knot
‘Gavin and Stacey, and any spin-off, fits that bill perfectly, so they’ll be willing to shell out seven or eight-figure sums to secure a deal.’
Netflix have reportedly already ruled itself out of any bidding war, saying it was ‘never been in any discussions about Gavin & Stacey.’
Following the episode airing James and Ruth, 58, shared a selfie to Instagram as they enjoyed a cup of tea after watching the show together.
James wrote: ‘We had to be together to watch tonight. We really hope you enjoy the finale of Gavin and Stacey.
‘It has been the greatest privilege making this show over the past 17 years. We’ll see you on BBC One at 9pm. The years go by so fast, let’s hope the next beats the last. Happy Christmas. x’
Meanwhile, Ruth, also shared it to her grid and wrote: ‘James and Ruth watching. The Finale together last night’.
Just before the finale aired, James discussed writing with co-star and friend Ruth once again.
He said: ‘I can honestly say, for me personally, if we didn’t attempt to try and even just explore the idea of writing together I’d be so disappointed.’
However despite Netflix attempting to snap up the festive special from the BBC they were unsuccessful
And now according to The Sun , Disney+ and Apple TV+ are said to be considering approaching Ruth and James and the sitcom’s producers about any future versions
Just before the finale aired, James discussed writing with co-star and friend Ruth once again, he said: ‘I can honestly say if we didn’t attempt to try and even just explore the idea of writing together I’d be so disappointed’
Gavin and Stacey: The Finale drew in a whopping 12.5 million viewers to become the most watched show on Christmas Day.
Viewers had been waiting for five years to learn the fate of the BBC sitcom’s beloved characters and see if Smithy had accepted Nessa’s proposal.
The final episode was hailed ‘perfect’ by viewers, who were left in tears as the long-running show finally aired its last episode after 17 years.
The BBC won the battle of the channels when it came to ratings as 10 million also tuned in to watch the return of Wallace & Gromit: Vengeance Most Fowl.
EastEnders did well with 8.7 million watching Cindy Beale left for dead after being hit with a shovel in the two-part episode. In comparison, just 2.8 million tuned in to see Gail Platt’s final episode on ITV’s Coronation Street.
Call The Midwife drew in 6.9 million viewers while 5.1 million watched The King annual speech.
Nicola Coughlan’s starring role in the Doctor Who special with Ncuti Gatwa saw 5 million tune in, while 4.6 million watched drag queen Tayce make history by winning Strictly’s Christmas special.
The huge interest in the beloved programme is set to continue tomorrow — on New Year’s Day at 7pm — when BBC One airs an hour-long documentary, Gavin & Stacey: A Fond Farewell.
The documentary episode will be an official goodbye to the show, featuring interviews with all of the cast members as well as behind-the-scenes footage.
