Gavin And Stacey finale praised as ‘comedy masterpiece’ by critics

The Gavin And Stacey finale has been praised by fans and critics as a “comedy masterpiece” and an “extraordinarily poignant bonanza of nostalgia”.

The 90-minute Christmas Day special of the BBC sitcom took viewers on an emotional rollercoaster that featured multiple weddings and the beloved characters racing across the country in a coach.

Critics praised the programme for allowing Neil “Smithy” Smith (James Corden) and Vanessa “Nessa” Jenkins (Ruth Jones) to finally have their happy ending, five years on from their Christmas proposal cliff-hanger in the 2019 festive special.

The Guardian awarded it five stars out of five, hailing the swansong as “a beautiful, extraordinarily poignant bonanza of nostalgia, love and (eventually) wish-fulfilment”.

Reviewer Rachel Aroesti added: “If these characters don’t already have a place in your heart, this emotional 90-minute goodbye probably won’t change that. But if they do, prepare to be forcibly moved to tears.”

The Telegraph agreed, calling it a “comedy masterpiece” and the best of the year as it also awarded five stars.

The paper’s arts and entertainment editor Anita Singh praised Alison Steadman’s portrayal of Pam, the eccentric mother of Gavin, as well as Jones as Nessa, who she described as “one of TV’s great comic creations”.

“She was about to sail away on a cargo ship bound for the Straits of Malacca when Smithy got down on one knee. We ended with their wedding. Perfect. Or, as she’d put it, ‘tidy’,” Singh added.

In the i newspaper, TV editor Emily Baker wrote: “Cancel all the programmes, shut down all the channels. Television does not get better than this”, adding: “This was a love letter not only to the beloved characters nurtured by these fabulous actors, but also to those of us who love them as much as they love each other.

“There were references to old jokes – the corn on the cob, the fishing trip, foam parties – and surprises that even the most diehard of fans wouldn’t have seen coming.”

Radio Times (RT) awarded the finale four stars, describing it as a “worthy conclusion to one of the best-loved British comedies of a generation”.

However, RT senior drama writer David Craig argued it felt “rather predictable” with a “striking resemblance” to the season three finale.

“Perhaps that’s not a problem for a show that has become a comfort watch for so many, thus making a safe conclusion the logical course”, he added.

After waiting five years, fans finally discovered how Smithy responded to Nessa after she got down on one knee to confess her love for him at the end of the 2019 Christmas special.

It was not good news for supporters of the couple initially when it was revealed they had been interrupted before Smithy could give his answer, and  he later proposed to his girlfriend Sonia – played by Laura Aikman.

During Wednesday’s special, the couple prepare for their wedding and go to their stag and hen parties, but throughout Smithy’s friends share their worries  about the marriage.

Best man Gavin (Mathew Horne) finally tells Smithy during the ceremony he thinks it is a mistake, and many of the wedding guest standing up in agreement to object to the marriage.

Smithy realises he has to confess his true love to Nessa, sparking a race to reach her before she leaves the UK.

Before the episode aired, Corden shared a picture of him and co-creator Jones on Instagram, revealing they were watching the finale together.

He said: “We really hope you enjoy the finale of Gavin And Stacey. It has been the greatest privilege making this show over the past 17 years…The years go by so fast, let’s hope the next beats the last.”

Australian actor and singer Jason Donovan was among the famous faces to praise the ending as he commented on Corden’s post “loved it”.

Sports pundit Gabby Logan wrote: “Feeling bereft but also blessed to have been on the G&S journey for these last 17 years”, while TV personality Alex Brooker said: “It was absolutely perfect. Thank you for making something that myself and so many others have loved.”

Rob Brydon, who plays Uncle Bryn, also thanked Corden and Jones for “everything”, adding: “I am immeasurably proud to have been a part of this once-in-a-lifetime show.”

Larry Lamb, who plays Gavin’s father Mick Shipman, thanked viewers for their “lovely words” and agreed that he was “so proud” be have been part of the project.

Horne also posted a black and white image of himself and Corden, writing: “Thank you for watching. Love you all”, while Page shared a group photo and wrote: “Hope you all enjoyed it. I’ll hold this job in my heart forever.”