What’s occurring? The Gavin and Stacey Christmas Special at Court Colman, Bridgend

“Gavlar! Where are ya?” – S1E1 

Enter our main characters: Gavin Shipman, a 26-year-old from Billericay, Essex, and Stacey West, a 25-year-old from Barry, Wales. After talking for months over the phone, they decide to finally meet in London. To ease the pressure, both Gavin and Stacey bring their loyal but quirky friends with them. The kind of friends everyone needs at least one of. It’s here that we are introduced to Neil ‘Smithy’ Smith and Nessa Jenkins. 

Although we have just been introduced to them, everyone remembers the moment they first saw Gavin and Stacey share their first kiss. Smithy orders what is quite frankly a ludicrous amount of KFC for one sitting, and Nessa kicks the doors of our hearts down with her blunt honesty. In contrast to the Gavin and Stacey Christmas special, it’s clear to see how far the characters have come, and how they reflect our own growth and development over time

Despite the clashing personalities, Nessa and Smithy surprise everyone at home by having a one-night stand with each other, sparking one of the most unlikely yet wholesome relationships in the family favourite show. 

“Do you think they’ll like lamb?” – S1E4 

The love story of Gavin and Stacey advances in episode 4, as we see the Shipmans travel to Barry, Wales to meet Stacey’s family, a big occasion we’re sure everybody remembers in our own personal lives. The episode handles the cultural differences of Essex and Wales with a light heart and outrageously comedic moments, such as Pam’s vegetarian façade, and Bryn’s obsession for detail, shown in his step-by-map.

As the story unfolds, viewers at home were treated to two bombshells in one sitting. Gavin announces his engagement to Stacey, and Nessa reveals that she remembers everything from their one-night stand back in episode 1, leaving Smithy stunned and a bit flustered. There’s so much character development in one episode, and we’re only 4 episodes in! 

“You sure you’re ready for this?” – S2E7

A heartfelt Gavin and Stacey episode for many, this time we see Smithy acting out of character, an unlikely bond that deepens, and the moment every viewer was eagerly awaiting, Gavin and Stacey’s wedding.

There’s pre-wedding chaos and a very touching speech from Smithy, who was clearly immersed in his feelings, and let’s be honest, who wasn’t after this emotional rollercoaster? Some of the series’ most beloved scenes come from the wedding; to name a few: Bryn’s exemplary rendition of “Islands in the Stream”, Nessa’s confession of her feelings for Smithy, and Pam’s ever-so-slight meltdown about her appearance. 

“Dave Coaches? Are you joking?” – S3E1 

Have you ever had a situation in life where you can see two people are a match made in heaven, but no one makes a move? It’s frustrating to watch both in real life and on TV. Smithy did sort of let himself down, but seriously, Dave Coaches?

We’re introduced to the newest member of the G&S family, Neil Smith. It’s strange to imagine a baby called Neil, but how can you not love his adorable little face.  

This episode jumps forward and goes a long way to fleshing out Nessa and Smithy’s characters. On the one hand, we see Nessa, who has a hard time fully relying on Smithy, as well as her closed approach to meaningful intimacy and affection. On the other, Smithy is wrestling with his emotions, clearly jealous and upset about Nessa’s relationship with Dave.

Fans are left wondering whether something will ever happen, of if it will forever be a ‘will they, won’t they’ situation. That is until the 2019 Gavin and Stacey Christmas special.

“Have you sorted the stockings yet?” 2019 Christmas Special 

We’re jumping forward nine years from the end of Season 3. The year is 2019, Gavin and Stacey now have three children, Neil is now at school, Smithy has a new spouse, Sonia, whose personality clashes with the dynamic of the group, and Nessa is engaged to Dave Coaches. Seriously Nessa, Dave Coaches?!

The Shipman’s are spending Christmas with the West’s, and whilst viewers were nice and toasty in their living rooms, there was one hot question on everyone’s mind: what on earth is going on with Nessa and Smithy? Will she really get married to Dave? Will Smithy continue his current relationship with Sonia? Perhaps we will get the answers in the 2024 Gavin and Stacey Christmas special…

“Are you thinking what I’m thinking Bryn?” The 2024 Finale

Five years on and we’ve arrived at the grand finale. It’s a bittersweet moment for many, as the show has a high standard for sitcoms. There are many great sitcoms like it, but few that replicate the bustling world, charm and character of Gavin and Stacey.

So, what takes place in the episode? We saw Nessa and Smithy going through the motions as the romantic tension reaches a boiling point, as well as a heartfelt cover of Blackbird by The Beatles, performed by Neil the baby. We were treated to an emotional rollercoaster of events in the finale, and we don’t want to spoil too much for those who haven’t seen it, but let’s say it’s a truly perfect farewell for one of the nations most treasured shows.

If you really want to find out what happens in this episode, do yourself a festive favour and grab a bottle of your favourite, get the nibbles on the table, and head over to BBC iPlayer to see how it all ended.