Gavin and Stacey star Mathew Horne says the final ever episode is the ‘perfect ending’ to the series as he admits feeling ’emotionally charged’ while filming last scenes

Gavin and Stacey star Mathew Horne has opened up about how the final ever episode of the series is the ‘perfect ending’ to the long-running show.

The supposed ‘final’ episode of the beloved comedy will air in a 90-minute special on Christmas Day, after fans of the show begged for an ending to the story following the cliffhanger 2019 special.

And in a new interview with FAULT magazinethe actor, 46 – who plays the titular Gavin – shared what fans can expect during the highly anticipated festive special.

He said: “They can expect the perfect ending to a very long story about love, friendship and family. I’m really proud of it. I didn’t write it, but the quality of the script speaks for itself. It’s the perfect ending on paper, and I think audiences will feel the same way when they see it.”

After 17 years of playing Essex boy Gavin, Mathew is set to finally say goodbye to the character, who appears alongside Stacey (Joanna Page), Smithy (James Corden) and Nessa (Ruth Jones).

On whether it was “emotional” to close the show’s chapter after all these years, Mathew shared that while he was holding it together, he felt “emotionally charged” filming the scenes, after he had worked with co-stars and crew members all those years. .

He said: ‘I wouldn’t say it was difficult, but it was emotionally charged. After 17 years it is impossible not to have a sense of meaning.

“Working with people I’ve known since the beginning made it bittersweet. Many of the crew were there in 2007 for Series 1. There is a deep sense of family, both on and off screen. That emotional weight made it all the more meaningful.”

Although Mathew has forged a stellar career in theatre, television and film, he acknowledges that his role as Gavin has “defined my career and life to date”, noting that he has never felt the role was “restrictive” .

The star added that playing the role for so long is “something to celebrate,” adding that he is “extremely grateful” to be part of something that has so much “meaning” to people.

Meanwhile, despite his own success, Mathew admitted he had ‘imposter syndrome’ when it came to working with a number of great female actresses he ‘idolises’, including Alison Steadman, Imelda Staunton and Catherine Tate.

He was recently impressed by Hollywood star Sigourney Weaver, with whom he co-stars in Jamie Lloyd’s production of Shakespeare’s The Tempest.

Mathew recalled constantly asking himself, “Do I deserve to be here?”, with the star noting that while “surreal,” he has learned over time to “trust” that he is “here for a reason.” is.

His words come as he recently reunited with his co-stars at the Gavin And Stacey: The Finale screening at the Ham Yard Hotel.

Mathew was joined by his on-screen wife Joanna Page and co-stars Larry Lamb, Alison Steadman, Steffan Rhodri and Robert Wilfort, as well as show creators James Corden and Ruth Jones.

Mathew and James, 46, who also play Gavin’s best friend Smithy, shared a cute encounter during the screening, putting their feud rumors well to bed.

The actors proved they had no shared enmity as they wrapped their arms around each other, after Mathew hit back at claims they had suffered a ‘bitter fallout’.

The pair were once inseparable and were often spotted together before James rose to fame in America.

Speculation arose that the duo had split after Gavin & Stacey finished airing in 2009 and James left to host his own successful Late Late Show chat show across the pond.

However, Mathew has since dismissed the claims and expressed frustration at having to repeatedly deny them, while also defending James.

Speak with The times At the weekend he said: ‘This idea that we would have a falling out in 2009 was not true, but I couldn’t really do anything about it.

“Because James then left for the United States, that was the story, and no matter how many times I said there was no fight, no amount of protest would have convinced people that it hadn’t happened.”

He continues: ‘It was a hectic time and I really don’t want any more hectic and chaos in my life. I just want to be grateful and enjoy the things that make me so happy.

‘That’s a very interesting, fun career and a beautiful family. To be honest, I’m tired of talking about this in fifteen years, it took my energy at the time and it’s not important.’

Defending James from trolls who are targeting him for his success, Mathew added: “The root of all the flak he gets – and it goes beyond flak – is jealousy. He is a phenomenally gifted actor and writer, and a brilliant success story for the working class.

“So yes, I protect him. But I think I have been silenced in the discussion about him because of this narrative that has been imposed.”