Gavin and Stacey favourite 'highly unlikely' to return for BBC comedy's final episode

Gavin and Stacey enthusiasts might be in for a letdown as it seems unlikely that a fan favourite will make an appearance in the BBC comedy's concluding episode.

The buzz around the return of the much-loved BBC sitcom Gavin and Stacey reached new heights earlier this month when it was announced that the show would be making a grand return.

The creators and leading lights, James Corden and Ruth Jones, took to Instagram to share the exciting update.

They shared a snapshot showing them poring over a script emblazoned with: "Gavin and Stacey: the finale" and the year 2024. Alongside the image, James wrote: "Some news... it's official! We have finished writing the last ever episode of Gavin and Stacey. See you on Christmas Day, BBC One. Love Ruth and James."

This revelation whipped fans into a state of excitement, especially since the series hasn't graced screens since 2019. But while the full cast has yet to be confirmed, whispers suggest that one cherished character may not join the final celebration.

Sheridan Smith, who won hearts as Ruth 'Rudi' Smith, the younger sibling of Smithy (played by James Corden), might not be seen in her iconic role again. Fans hoping to witness Sheridan's comeback could face disappointment, as sources hint that there have been "no conversations" about her involvement, reports the Mirror.

A source disclosed to MailOnline: "Sheridan is highly unlikely to appear in the Gavin and Stacey finale. She's not been contacted by anyone about reprising her role and she has other big opportunities in the pipeline," They added, "Sheridan has huge respect for everybody involved in Gavin and Stacey and loved her time on the comedy, it was a fun time in her life."

Meanwhile, Joanna Page, who plays Stacey, shared her excitement about the show's comeback on her new podcast with EastEnders actress Natalie Cassidy, saying: "I'm so excited to see the gang again and start filming, and I can't wait to find out if Smithy has said yes."

"I can't wait to find out what's happening to everybody! I'm going to have to keep that script away from your [Natalie's] little paws. But yeah we are going to be able to review it on our show at Christmas and I will be very cross if you aren't sitting down on Christmas Day watching me! ".

Back in December, Sheridan Smith, who previously dated James Corden, the actor behind Smithy, expressed her views on the future of Gavin and Stacey. In a conversation with Jason King on Heart Breakfast, before the announcement of the Christmas special, the mother-of-one confessed that she still gets questions about the series.

A question on the lips of many fans is whether the show will return for more laughs. To this, the actress remarked: "People ask quite a lot, I have not a clue if they're going to do anymore or not, I really don't know," she mused.

"But I think what they've done is genius, they've left it on a high haven't they, so many shows overdo it, because we all want more, we all want more Gavin and Stacey."

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