The stars of Gavin and Stacey have given an emotional farewell to Barry Island, as filming for the Christmas special has come to an end.
The beloved BBC sitcom is returning for one final episode, after last airing in 2019.
Co-creators Ruth Jones and James Corden announced the news earlier this year, and while details have been kept under wraps, fans have been given a peak into filming on set in Barry Island, with many paying a visit over the last few weeks.
But all good things must come to an end, and with just three months until it airs, filming is officially over.
The cast, including Stacey actress Joanna Page, Gwen actress Melanie Walters, Jason actor Robert Wilfort and Rob Brydon who plays Uncle Bryn, waved to fans on Trinity Street (where Gwen’s home is set) after shooting final scenes.
Mathew Horne, who plays Gavin, did not appear to be present.
Though they were all smiles, it was no doubt an emotional day, with Melanie and Joanna linking arms as they waved to the fans.
In videos shared to social media, Ruth addressed the cheering crowd for one last time, saying: ‘Thank you so much for coming here today and being so patient because you haven’t seen anything because we’ve been indoors!
‘But it shows that you are true committed fans of the show and we hope that you won’t be disappointed on Christmas Day when all will be revealed.’
The Nessa star continued: ‘It’s our farewell to Barry and to Trinity Street.
‘You won’t be seeing us here anymore. But we’ve had a wonderful 17 years. It’s been fantastic.’
‘Thank you very much for everything, we’ll see you soon,’ James added.
It comes after the Smithy actor told BBC Breakfast about filming the final episode, saying: ‘It’s lovely, it’s wonderful, all of it, it’s all overwhelming, the fact it’s probably the last time I’ll probably ever be here. ‘All of it, it’s wonderful.’
The fan-favourite show aired for three series between 2007 and 2010 and made a comeback in 2019 for a one-off festive episode which ended on a cliff-hanger when Jones’s character Nessa proposed to Smithy.
It scored the highest overnight Christmas ratings in 12 years, attracting an average audience of 11.6 million viewers, making it the biggest festive special since Christmas Day 2008.
Ruth and James confirmed the final episode was in the works in May, sharing a picture of the script titled: ‘Gavin and Stacey: The finale.’
He wrote: ‘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.’
Following announcement, Pam Shipman actress Alison Steadman confirmed her on-screen husband Larry Lamb would be joining her, as she said: ‘It’s a wonderful series. It’s so nice that it’s so popular. I feel very privileged and very lucky to have been given that chance.’
It’s since been reported that the cast have been told to keep their scripts hidden and stay on ‘high alert’ when it comes to leaks, as bosses are challenged in keeping the storylines a secret.
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