Inside the festive finale

As a cinephile with over three decades of film and television viewing under my belt, I can confidently say that Gavin & Stacey is not just another show to add to your watchlist – it’s an absolute must-see. Having had the pleasure of directing some of the most iconic comedies in British history, Christine Gernon’s involvement alone should be enough to pique anyone’s interest.


Add Gavin & Stacey to your watchlist

17.1 million viewers watched the 2019 Christmas Day special of “Gavin & Stacey” by James Corden and Ruth Jones, making it the most popular non-sporting event in recent years and the most watched comedy in 17 years. This year’s 90-minute special, which marks the end of the show, is anticipated with high expectations as it’s the final episode of the beloved Welsh-English romantic comedy series that initially aired from 2007 to 2009.

Christine Gernon, who’s been the director of this series since its debut, admits to having a slight sense of apprehension. She’s experiencing a level of pressure that she’s never encountered before.

Remarkably, her impressive resume includes hits like Absolutely Fabulous, One Foot in the Grave, The Catherine Tate Show, and Jonathan Creek. For the past ten years, she’s been making waves in American television with shows such as Black-ish, New Girl, and the US adaptation of Ghosts. However, Gavin & Stacey is the only UK production she returns to – it’s a testament to her deep affection for the project.

The friendships are absolutely real – I have to beg them to shut up so we can shoot

In 2006 when Ruth handed it to me, I initially planned to read just a few pages. However, before I knew it, I had finished the entire book, and found myself pleading with her for the opportunity to direct it. She chuckles as she recalls this, “I believe at its core, it’s a production that revolves around love between characters.” Currently, I am overseeing the Christmas special’s editing, and I spent time immersed in the friendships portrayed within it.

She confirms that those friendships are genuine. They’re always seen laughing, chatting, and frequently spending time together in each other’s trailers. Ruth and James take pleasure in involving as many cast members as possible in every single scene, often making it necessary for her to ask them to quiet down so they can film.

She must keep quiet regarding the storyline of the extended film – the BBC will merely disclose that Bryn (Rob Brydon) is taking the Picasso on a journey to Essex; Gavin and Stacey (Mathew Horne and Joanna Page) are seeking innovative methods to reinvigorate their 17-year marriage; Nessa (Jones) has embarked on a fresh entrepreneurial endeavor, while Neil the Baby is preparing for an apprenticeship under his father Smithy (Corden).

In her observation, the connection among the cast members was so profound that they adjusted their shooting schedule to capture the final scene on the very last day of production. She emphasized that it seemed significant for everyone to be present when she called “Cut!” for the last time. As she reminisced, she mentioned that there wasn’t a dry eye on set, with Jo being visibly emotional from the first day of filming.

She takes a moment, then says, “You know, it’s truly been enjoyable. On our last day, it was quite sad to accept that we won’t have more chances to spend time together and put on that fantastic, delightful show again.

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2024-11-28 19:40