Two streaming giants set for major bidding war with the BBC for Gavin & Stacey spin-off with multi-million deals offered to writers James Corden and Ruth Jones
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Two major streaming services are taking on the BBC for a Gavin & Stacey spin-off show by offering a multi-million pound deal to writers James Corden and Ruth Jones.
12.5 million viewers watched the iconic Christmas finale of the hit series on BBC One, which saw James and Ruth’s characters Smithy and Nessa finally tie the knot.
Despite Netflix trying to take over the festive special from the BBC, they were unable to do so.
And now according to The sunDisney+ and Apple TV+ are said to be considering approaching Ruth and James and the sitcom’s producers about possible future versions.
A TV insider said: ‘They see the ratings of the Christmas episode and realize how Gavin & Stacey have huge longevity.
‘More and more streamers, who are often more associated with the US, want to be seen as providing increasingly distinctly ‘British’ content.
Two major streaming services are taking on the BBC for a Gavin & Stacey spin-off show by offering a multi-million pound deal to writers James Corden and Ruth Jones
12.5 million viewers watched the iconic Christmas 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, fit that bill perfectly, so they’ll be willing to spend seven or eight figure sums to get a deal.”
Netflix has reportedly already ruled itself out of any bidding war, saying there have “never been any discussions about Gavin & Stacey.”
After the episode aired, James and Ruth, 58, shared a selfie on Instagram as they enjoyed a cup of tea after watching the show together.
James wrote: “We had to be together tonight to watch. We really hope you enjoy Gavin and Stacey’s finale.
“It has been the greatest privilege to create this show over the past seventeen years. We’ll see you at 9pm on BBC One. The years pass so quickly, let’s hope the next one beats the last. Merry Christmas. X’
Meanwhile, Ruth also shared it on her network, writing: “James and Ruth are watching. The Final together last night’.
Just before the finale aired, James discussed writing again with co-star and friend Ruth.
He said: ‘I can honestly say that, for me personally, I would be so disappointed if we didn’t try to explore the idea of writing together.’
Despite Netflix trying to take over the festive special from the BBC, they were unable to do so
And now, according to The Sun, Disney+ and Apple TV+ are reportedly considering approaching Ruth and James and the sitcom’s producers about possible future versions
Just before the finale aired, James discussed writing again with co-star and friend Ruth. He said: ‘I can honestly say that if we didn’t try to explore the idea of writing together I would be so disappointed. ‘
Gavin and Stacey: The Finale attracted a whopping 12.5 million viewers, becoming the most watched show on Christmas Day.
Viewers had waited five years to learn the fate of the BBC sitcom’s beloved characters and to see if Smithy had accepted Nessa’s proposal.
The final episode was praised as ‘perfect’ by viewers, who were left in tears as the long-running show finally aired its final episode after 17 years.
The BBC won the battle of the channels when it came to viewing figures, as 10 million people also watched the return of Wallace & Gromit: Vengeance Most Fowl.
EastEnders did well with 8.7 million people watching Cindy Beale left for dead after being hit with a shovel in the two-part episode. By comparison, just 2.8 million people watched Gail Platt’s latest episode on ITV’s Coronation Street.
Call The Midwife attracted 6.9 million viewers, while 5.1 million people watched The King’s annual speech.
Nicola Coughlan’s starring role in the Doctor Who special with Ncuti Gatwa brought in 5 million people, while 4.6 million saw drag queen Tayce make history by winning Strictly’s Christmas special.
The huge interest in the much-loved program will continue tomorrow – New Year’s Day at 7pm – when BBC One airs an hour-long documentary, Gavin & Stacey: A Fond Farewell.
The documentary episode marks the show’s official farewell, featuring interviews with all cast members and behind-the-scenes footage.