Gavin & Stacey: I’ve seen the finale – but can’t tell you what happens

It’s been five years since the last Gavin & Stacey Christmas special aired in 2019, and since then everyone has been dying to know whether Smithy said yes.

Well, I actually know the answer… but I can’t tell a soul.

Last week, I was one of a handful of very privileged journalists to sit alongside the cast and crew for the premiere of the finale in central London.

Since then, friends and family have all been trying – and failing – to get some answers from me. But my lips are sealed.

I went back again to Barry a few days later and joined huge crowds desperate to get a glimpse of the production, which had by that point moved to Trinity Street – home to Gwen and Bryn.

Just before filming wrapped, I saw Larry Lamb – better known as Gav’s dad Mick – greet adoring fans in Dinas Powys, the true home of Pam and Mick’s Billericay residence.

Then, after months of writing about the show’s reunion, I finally saw the episode that the world is waiting for.

I can’t wait for everyone else to see it, too.

For one, it will stop everyone nagging me about it.

They always ask the same questions – did Smithy say yes? Did Smithy and Nessa get married? What happened on the fishing trip?

I may have seen it, but with the episode not airing until 21:00 GMT on Christmas Day, I’m forced to keep all that to myself.

But I can’t wait to talk about it.

As an entertainment reporter for over a decade, I’ve seen numerous Star Wars movies, Marvel flicks, and a whole bunch of other pop culture staples before my friends and family.

This time though, it’s a bit different. It means so much more to so many people.

Gavin & Stacey is a huge part of British culture – even more so if you’re from Wales, like me.

Everyone has been talking about it for months, and they’re dying to find out what happens.

So many of my friends and family have asked about it, then quickly followed up with ‘no, don’t tell me’, before I’ve even had time to refuse.

Believe me – you don’t want to know. You’ll enjoy it so much more if you don’t.

Since Gavin & Stacey debuted in 2007, it’s gained a kind of momentum you rarely see in British TV anymore.

The last Christmas special in 2019 was watched by a staggering 18.4 million viewers, and with all the hype surrounding the upcoming finale, I get the feeling this is going to be even bigger.

I won’t be spoiling it for anyone.

Thankfully, the wait is almost over and I’ll be snuggling up with a hot chocolate on Christmas Day to watch it with my family, just like everyone else.

What did I think of it? I’ll tell you tomorrow…

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