James Corden doesn't want people to think 'Gavin & Stacey' revival is a 'career emergency'

James Corden has said he hopes viewers won’t see the upcoming Gavin & Stacey revival as a “career emergency” decision by him and co-creator Ruth Jones.

The actor sent sitcom fans into a frenzy earlier this year when he revealed that he and Jones had written a one-off special episode, which will be aired over the Christmas period.

Read more: What to expect from Gavin & Stacey special

He has now told British GQ that they were concerned about how the initial announcement would be received.

“We would’ve hated for Gavin & Stacey to be seen as something we’re reviving in a panic, over no longer being relevant,” the 40-year-old star said.

“We’re hoping it won’t be seen as this career emergency, break the glass decision.”

Corden also revealed that he and Jones did a lot of the writing for the new special episode over Facetime, waking up at 4am and working until it was time to do the school run.

He said: “We didn’t tell anyone we were doing it, certainly not the BBC.

“We thought: ‘We’ll do it for us and we’ll know if it’s right’.

“We’ve seen too many people ruin what they’ve done - for no reason.”

Read more: Corden and Jones give gift to Barry Island residents

Corden also discussed his own fame, saying he has “only just become comfortable” with the level of recognition he now has, following his tenure as host of The Late Late Show on CBS.

“I understand the version of me that people want to meet, and I’ll give them that, and that’s alright,” he said.

“It’s actually harder, it’s more work to be rude and abrupt.”

As well as the upcoming Gavin & Stacey special, Corden is due to be seen in the role of Bustopher Jones in Tom Hooper’s adaptation of the musical Cats.

The film, which has already proved divisive thanks to its unusual aesthetic, is due to be released into UK cinemas in December.

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Read the full interview in the September issue of British GQ, available on newsstands and digital download on Friday 2 August.