Gavin and Stacey fans at war as viewers divided over finale's twists and shock split

The Gavin and Stacey special left fans with mixed feelings as it presented unexpected romances and splits in its finale aired on Christmas Day on BBC. Following the suspenseful 2019 Christmas special where Nessa (played by Ruth Jones) proposed to Smithy (James Corden), viewers were on tenterhooks.

The episode sparked a reaction from the start when Nessa simultaneously lit up a cigarette and vape, often seen as a no-no for promoting smoking on TV. But for die-hard fans, it was a nod to her infamous nicotine habit.

One enthusiast wrote: "Gavin and Stacey fans were stunned Not me wondering if they'd sensor Nessa's smoking in the big old year of 2024, only for them to have her swinging between a vape AND a cigarette #GavinAndStacey."

Read more Gavin and Stacey's James Corden and Ruth Jones explain surprise ending of BBC sitcom

Another added: "PLEASE Nessa vaping and smoking at the same time she's literally just a girl #GavinAndStacey."

A third fan chuckled: "Nessa was always going to be smoking a cig and vape at the same time #GavinAndStacey.", reports the Mirror.

While another commented on Nessa's now-iconic status: "Nessa vaping and smoking at the same time. my queen forever. #GavinAndStacey."

In an unexpected turn of events in the finale, it was revealed that Stacey’s mother, Gwen West, who’d had her fair share of romantic trials and tribulations, had been quietly dating Dave Coaches for half a year. This revelation came as quite the bombshell to Gwen's family, with Bryn initially not being on board, though he came around in time, giving his blessing to the couple.

The episode also delivered on a long-anticipated moment when Smithy got down on one knee to propose to Nessa, answering the cliffhanger from the 2019 special, foiling plans for him to wed his girlfriend Sonia, much to fans' previous dismay.

The 90-minute Yuletide show saw returns from several favourites alongside new developments: Sheridan Smith made a comeback as Smithy's sister Rudi, and we observed the intriguing dynamic between Adrian Scarborough and Julia Davis as the now-separated Pete and Dawn Sutcliffe, providing extra layers to their characters' already colourful history. As the special drew to a close, Nessa and Smithy’s wedding was a cause for celebration, sparking animated chatter on X – the platform formerly known as Twitter.

Elation and nostalgia marked the audience reactions, encapsulated by one fan’s heartfelt tribute: "There will never be a better show than Gavin and Stacey. thanks for all the laughs and happy memories, you'll be missed! ".

Fans have been left with mixed emotions after the Gavin and Stacey Christmas special, with one viewer gushing: "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."

Another fan couldn't contain their joy, writing: "SOBBING at gavin and stacey it's about bloody time nessa and smithy ffs heart is healed finally."

A third expressed sheer delight: "GAVIN AND STACEY CHRISTMAS SPECIAL YOU WERE EVERYTHING I WANTED AND MORE."

However, not everyone was impressed, as some viewers voiced their disappointment on social media. One disgruntled fan remarked: "Gavin and Stacey finale was proper average."

Another chimed in with: "Gavin and Stacey was predictable, " while a third shared: "Sorry but that Gavin and Stacey ep was cr*p."

A fourth critique read: "Question those that enjoy Gavin and Stacey. That felt rushed and a out dragged obvious ending.."

Despite the divided reception, the story may continue beyond the screen. Creators Ruth Jones and James Corden have teased fans with news of a 2025 project.

The duo has revealed they are co-writing a new book titled 'When Gavin Met Stacey and Everything in Between: A Story Of Love And Friendship. ' Set for release in Autumn 2025, the book promises to delve into the beloved comedy's creation and its impact on audiences.

Following the announcement of their book deal, Ruth, 48, and James, 46, expressed their excitement to fans: "We're so excited to be sharing the story behind the story of Gavin and Stacey. The show has played a huge part in our twenty-five-year friendship and we hope this book will give readers a fresh insight into how it all came about."

Penguin, the book's publisher, added to the description of the upcoming book: "Gavin and Stacey is a TV series like no other. Now, for the first time, its creators James and Ruth tell the full extraordinary story of how they turned their little show into a full-on cultural phenomenon," They continued: "As they recount the rejection, obstacles and challenges they faced on the way to giving birth to their beloved comedy creation, James and Ruth also explore the flourishing of their own real-life friendship. While their now legendary on- screen characters Nessa and Smithy had a profound awkwardness to negotiate, culminating in that marriage proposal in the 2019 Christmas special, Ruth and James forged a magical relationship of mutual support based also on a deep, shared sense of subversive fun."

The publisher concluded: "Here, from their tentative initial pitch to the emotionally overwhelming final day of filming, the duo detail what's occurred every step of the way, bouncing off each other in inimitable style. Full of revelations and never-before-heard stories, this is a one-of-a-kind book about a show that's already gone down in history."