The BBC will reportedly treat Gavin & Stacey fans to 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 would return for one final episode.
In addition to the grand finale, Beeb bosses have commissioned a special behind-the-scenes documentary looking at the programme’s 17-year history.
Cameras have followed the cast, including title stars Mathew Horne and Joanna Page as they filmed scenes for the final installment ever.
A TV insider said this The sun: ‘The Beeb considers this a momentous occasion and wanted to give Gavin and Stacey a suitably auspicious send-off.
The BBC will treat Gavin & Stacey fans to 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 Christmas special by Gavin & Stacey 2019)
Earlier this month, sitcom stars James Corden, 45, and Ruth Jones, 57, announced that Gavin and Stacey were returning for one final 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 co-produces the sitcom, means they will get full access to the set and the biggest chats.
“It will likely be made in conjunction with the show itself, with the creative process of delivering the finale being filmed from the first day to the last.”
It comes after it emerged Sheridan Smith has held talks over his appearance in the Gavin & Stacey special.
The 42-year-old actress could reprise the role of Ruth ‘Rudi’ Smith for the very last episode of the BBC comedy show.
A source told the Sunday mirror newspaper: ‘The script for Gavin & Stacey: The Finale features all the show’s major players – including Smithy’s sister Rudi.
‘Nothing has been signed and discussions are still ongoing, especially because the filming date has not yet been set.
‘But every effort is being made to ensure the entire cast is present, and in the coming weeks the production team hope to determine everyone’s availability.’
Sheridan remains friends with James, who is determined to ensure the hit TV show ends with a bang.
Sheridan Smith has reportedly ‘signed a deal’ to return for the very last episode of Gavin & Stacey (pictured last month)
The actress is set to join 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’ character Smithy, plus their improvised raps, and is a cult favorite with fans
James and Ruth confirmed the sitcom’s return on social media with a post in which the creators held up a script earlier this month titled Gavin and Stacey: the finale
The insider said: ‘Sheridan and James are still friends – they recently bumped into each other at the Variety Club Awards and got on really well. So the hope is that she can be part of it.
‘She didn’t appear in the Christmas special because her character wasn’t part of that storyline, but this time it was a different story. Everyone is very excited about this episode; it will be a phenomenal last hurray for the series, and that is exactly what it deserves.”
Earlier this month, James and Ruth Jones announced that Gavin & Stacey were returning for one final episode.
They wrote on social media: ‘Some news… It’s official!!! We’ve finished writing the very last episode of Gavin and Stacey. See you on Christmas Day, BBC One. I love Ruth and James [heart emoji] (sic).”