BBC Gavin and Stacey fans left 'sobbing' by 'generational' moment in Christmas finale

Family's across the countries gathered together in the evening of Christmas Day to watch the long anticipated finale of a much-loved show.

At 9 pm yesterday, the BBC released Gavin and Stacey: The Finale. And the nation loved it.

Prior to the episode airing, the broadcaster revealed nuggets of information about what would happen in the episode including a wedding in Essex (but we didn't know who was getting married), and they hinted that Gavin and Stacey were looking at ways to spice up their marriage.

Set five years on from the last special episode, which ended on a cliff-hanger when Nessa (Ruth Jones) proposed to Smithy (James Corden), the Christmas Day special kicked off with the adored characters getting ready for a wedding.

And while the nation held their breath in unison to find out if he was marrying Nessa, it turned out to be too good to be true, and he was in fact marrying Sonia (Laura Aikman), his girlfriend from five years ago. 

As the 90-minute special continued, viewers could see the palpable connection that still existed between Nessa and James, and right before he tied the knot, he called it off and went after Nessa.

But there was one moment in particular that got fans in floods of tears - as Smithy waited for Gavin's dad Mick to tell him what to do in the church scene. 

And fans have taken to X, formerly Twitter, to express how much they loved the moment. @Jen_Johnson_x3 wrote: "The fact that Smithy didn’t make his decision until Mick stood up had me sobbing."

@JakeWStephens91 said: "Mick scene at the wedding where Smithy asked him what he thought and the delayed rising to his feet. That will be talked about for years. Generational. Take a bow Larry Lamb".

The finale has been described as "perfection" by many fans. @stephanietx_ commented: "That episode of Gavin & Stacey was absolute perfection. Emotional rollercoaster, Nessa & Smithy ending up together, Bryn is comedy gold and Mick & Smithy’s relationship".

And @iamtanweer9 added: "That scene is pure emotional perfection! Smithy's vulnerability and Mick's heartwarming approval still get us every time. A beautifully crafted moment in an incredible series."

@KarenlovesGB said: "Mick’s speech at the stag, saying he made their lives full, Smithy’s lightbulb moment when Neil the baby was singing Blackbird (beautifully) Smithy wanting Mick’s approval. Nessa showing her soft side. And Bryn just being Bryn. Incredible writing, brilliantly acted"

@BMYADAV1227815 wrote: "That moment where Mick calls Smithy his and Pam’s second son is so touching!"

@dart_vicki said: "It can't be the end. It was an amazing episode. Had me in tears when Mick said Smithy was a son to him. Also when Smithy asked for Micks approval. I loved every second of it."

Elsewhere in the episode, fans were disappointed to still not learn of what occurred on the mysterious fishing trip. We also got to see Gwen find love again with Dave Coaches, and Dawn and Pete split up... and rekindled within the episode.