What time Gavin and Stacey Christmas special is on TV and full cast list

BBC are treating fans to a 90-minute Gavin and Stacey Christmas special just before the festive season comes to a close.

It's been five years since the show surprised viewers with a Christmas special that ended with a huge cliffhanger. Fans of the BBC sitcom have been waiting to find out if Smithy (James Corden) accepted Nessa's (Ruth Jones) proposal, and if we'll ever find out what happened on that fishing trip.

Ahead of the upcoming finale, Ruth Jones said she feels as though the characters "really do exist". The co-creator added: "It's not like they're dying – well, watch the final. But the thing is, we feel like they still exist so for us, they're carrying on living their lives in Barry or Billericay, just we are not party to what goes on in their life any more."

With the cast having confirmed that this will be the final ever episode of the show, viewers have been chomping at the bit to know what the plot is. We'll see Uncle Bryn (Rob Brydon) packing up his car as he prepares to take on the drive to Essex, Gwen is behaving strangely, Nessa is starting a new business venture, and Neil the Baby is about to begin an apprenticeship.

Meanwhile, Pam is stressed out over having to play hostess, and Mick isn't helping matters as his newly-retired self starts practicing golf swings in the living room. There have been more ups and downs in family-friends Pete and Dawn's relationship. Not to mention, the BBC's trailer shows Bryn enjoying the festivities as he gives limbo a go.

When and what time is Gavin and Stacey Christmas special on?

Gavin and Stacey: The Finale will air on Christmas Day at 9pm on BBC One and iPlayer.

Who is the full cast of Gavin and Stacey Christmas special?

• Gavin - Mathew Horne
• Stacey - Joanna Page
• Nessa - Ruth Jones
• Smithy - James Corden
• Mick - Larry Lamb
• Pam - Alison Steadman
• Uncle Bryn - Rob Brydon
• Gwen - Melanie Walters
• Jason - Robert Wilfort
• Pete - Adrian Scarborough
• Dawn - Julia Davis
• Dave - Steffan Rhodri
• Neil the Baby - Oscar Hartland

Speaking about the last day of filming, Alison Steadman said: 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." Before calling the show "fabulous" and that the cast will "miss filming it".

The 2019 special had the highest overnight ratings at Christmas in 12 years, with an average audience reaching numbers of 11.6 million viewers. The episode also went on to win the impact award at the 2020 National Television Awards, where Ruth Jones channelled her inner Nessa and had quite the flirtatious interaction with Tom Jones: "You never write, you never call! There's still a lot of electricity between me and Sir Tom, and don't you knows it!"

The actress then dropped the Nessa act and thanked "the good people of Barry Island for giving us such a warm welcome" as well as hailing the BBC as "the best public broadcaster in the world".

Appearing on The One Show, Joanna Page opened up about her feelings towards the first script 17 years ago: "I just opened the script and thought 'I know this person' and to have something where I can be Welsh and use my own voice, you feel so much closer to the character."

The actress admitted she won't miss playing Stacey, and said: "She's in me and she'll always be there." She added: "The thing I will miss the most is the whole of our family, that has been the best bit."

Fans can also enjoy Gavin and Stacey: A Fond Farewell on New Years Day at 7pm on BBC One. It's a 60-minute documentary that reflects on the best bits from the previous three series, and tells the story of what it's like being one of Britain's favourite sitcoms for 17 years.

Gavin and Stacey: The Finale will air on Christmas Day at 9pm on BBC One and iPlayer.