Gavin and Stacey's final hurrah on Christmas Day had fans absolutely thrilled, with a whopping 12.5 million viewers tuning in for the beloved sitcom's last laugh. It was a celebratory close filled to the brim with all the quirks fans adore, including sneaky nods and unexpected cameos, earning its spot as the most-watched Christmas show. Fans across the nation watched Gavin, played by Mathew Horne, and Stacey, brought to life by Joanna Page, link up with familiars for a spectacular send-off that spotlighted Nessa (Ruth Jones) and Smithy (James Corden) tying the knot after an engagement fiasco. And lo and behold, Anna Maxwell Martin – who's been captivating audiences on ITV's Until I Kill You – surprised everyone by stepping into the role of the celebrant just as Sonia, Smithy's girlfriend portrayed by Laura Aikman, is nearly hitched until Gavin objects.
Social media was buzzing with fans squealing about Anna's guest stint. On X, accolades flowed like: "Anna Maxwell Martin as the celebrant tho [clapping emoji]", while another said: "Anna Maxwell Martin! Now that's the cameo we came for!" and a third chimed: "Goddess Anna Maxwell martin in Gavin and Stacey I'm OBSESSED". Even forums, such as Mumsnet, had users sharing their thoughts on Anna's appearance. In a lively discussion on the AIBU thread, viewers shared their mixed feelings with one exclaiming, "To think Anna Maxwell Martin 'made' Gavin and Stacey?" They then confessed: "When I first saw her on screen, I literally couldn't believe my eyes," reports the Mirror.
While some parts of the show left them unimpressed, as they remarked: "As a whole it was pleasant enough and watchable albeit a bit boring in parts - e.g the whole stag do thing was bit 'meh' - but I couldn't just sit through it without scrolling through phone, there were still surprises in store." In a plot twist kept under wraps, Laura Aikman's appearance in the final episode was kept so secret that even her family was left in the dark for months.
Following the broadcast, Laura took to Instagram to share her family's astonished reactions, alongside a cheeky caption: "I take an NDA very seriously." She continued with a hint of mischief, "The moment my family realise Sonia is ruining Christmas again..." The shock amongst her relatives was evident as one gasped: "You never told me", prompting Laura's response: "We never told anyone."
The shocks didn't end there, as fans at home were thrilled by the return of beloved characters Cath Smith and Ruth 'Rudi' Smith, with veteran actresses Pam Ferris and Sheridan Smith reprising their roles. Social media, notably on X, previously known as Twitter, buzzed with fan reactions to the compelling episode.
One ecstatic fan penned their approval of the Gavin and Stacey finale, commenting: "There will never be a better show than Gavin and Stacey. thanks for all the laughs and happy memories, you'll be missed!" Meanwhile, another viewer was full of praise, saying: "That was the most perfect way to end Gavin + Stacey. Tonight I've laughed. I've cried. And everything in between. Ruth Jones, Nessa, and James Corden, Smithy, said at the premiere that the show's all about the emotions of love and everything in between - tonight showed that."
A tearful admirer wrote: "SOBBING at gavin and stacey it's about bloody time nessa and smithy ffs heart is healed finally."
Finally, a delighted fan exclaimed: "GAVIN AND STACEY CHRISTMAS SPECIAL YOU WERE EVERYTHING I WANTED AND MORE."
