Gavin and Stacey cast 'in tears' as show wraps

Gavin and Stacey star Alison Steadman has said after filming the final scenes of the hit show "90% of us were in tears".

The actress told BBC's The One Show the cast had all been dreading the end.

The sitcom's co-creators, James Corden and Ruth Jones, confirmed in May it would return for one last episode, which will be shown on Christmas Day.

Filming began in September, with fans queuing up to see the stars at locations across the Vale of Glamorgan. It ended on Monday night.

Filming the finale was emotional, said Steadman, who plays Gavin's mum Pam.

The 78-year-old added: "We've had a great five weeks, we only finished on Monday night," she said.

"But we were all dreading that final scene when we finished.

"I think 90% of us were in tears, some people braved it, because it's been so fantastic.

"We had a wrap party, it was very nice, it was lovely.

"We'll just miss not filming it any more, it was fabulous."

The show returned in 2019 for a one-off festive episode, which ended with Ruth Jones' character Nessa proposing to Neil "Smithy" Smith, played by James Corden.

Steadman recalled reading the original script for the first time.

"James and Ruth together, they are amazing, their scripts, so witty and funny," she said.

"When I read the first scene I thought I've got to do this. I couldn't wait, I was going through the script and they didn't let me down."

The 2019 episode had the highest overnight Christmas ratings in 12 years, with an average audience of 11.6 million viewers, making it the biggest festive special since 2008.

By the new year, it had been viewed by 17.1 million people, making it the biggest scripted programme of the decade at the time.

The episode won the impact award at the 2020 National Television Awards.

After the final episode finished filming, the BBC posted on X, formerly Twitter: "And that's a wrap... for the last time ever."

Earlier on Wednesday Steadman told BBC Radio 4's Woman's Hour: "It's been a real experience over 17 years from when we did the first series. It can't get better than that, really.

"It has to go down as one of my most favourite, fun jobs."

Hundreds of fans of the sitcom have queued up to see the stars of the show at well-known locations across the Vale of Glamorgan since filming began.

"We've come down a few times over the last few weeks," said 61-year-old Karen Ash from Cwmbran, as shooting wrapped at Pam and Mick's Essex house, which is actually filmed a few miles away from Barry, in Dinas Powys.

"I've been to every location," said 22-year-old Owain Cleese, from Barry.

"I'm the biggest, biggest fan... I love them all, but I've got to say, who I miss the most is Doris.

"It puts Barry on the map. If people come from England they could come and think 'Oh, let’s go to Barry. Oh, that's Gavin and Stacey's place - let's go there!'"

Gavin and Stacey originally ran for three series between 2007 and 2010, and follows a young couple, played by Mathew Horne and Joanna Page, who pursue a relationship despite one living in Essex and the other in Barry.

Some fans already think they know what the new show holds.

"I think I might have seen a spoiler - but I'm not prepared to say," said Karen.

"I’m not going to tell you what my ending is - it's a spoiler. I think it is anyway!"

The final episode of Gavin And Stacey will air on BBC iPlayer and BBC One on 25 December.