Gavin and Stacey Christmas special - plot details and cast revealed

BBC's Gavin and Stacey is set to return to screens this Christmas with its final ever episode. The popular sitcom last aired five years ago when fans were left with a huge cliffhanger.

Nessa, played by Ruth Jones, was seen to get down on one knee and confess her love to Smithy, played by James Corden. Now, the eagerly-anticipated finale is due to air on Christmas Day on BBC One.

The broadcaster has yet to confirm what time fans will need to sit down in front of their TV. But it has been confirmed that the one-off festive episode will be 90 minutes long.

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It seems details of the finale are being kept under wraps. There has been just one first-look photograph released so far and there has not been a trailer, Express reports.

The promo photo shows Gavin, played by Mathew Horne, Stacey, played by Joanna Page, Smithy and Nessa standing together against a red wall. The BBC has teased what is set to come in the episode.

The synopsis reads: "It’s five years since we left Nessa down on one knee declaring her love for Smithy and asking him to marry her. And a lot has happened in those five years. In Barry, Bryn’s packing the Picasso in readiness for a trip to Essex; Stacey and Gavin are looking for new ways to spice up their seventeen year marriage and Gwen is behaving most strangely.

"Nessa’s started a new business venture and Neil the Baby’s about to begin an apprenticeship with his dad. Over in Billericay Pam is stressing out at the prospect of playing hostess, not helped by a newly retired Mick practicing his golf swings in the living room and there have been more ups and downs in Pete and Dawn’s relationship.

"Join us on the journey to Barry and Billericay as we catch up with the Shipmans and the Wests for the very last time and maybe find out what exactly did happen on that fishing trip." Alongside the new Christmas special, a documentary is due to be released.

It will tell the story of the popular sitcom over the past 17 years. Featuring creators James and Ruth, as well as the cast and crew, the documentary captures the final episode as it was filmed.

Gavin & Stacey: A Fond Farewell is coming to iPlayer and BBC One. A date has not yet been released

Another Gavin and Stacey special is also coming. Barry Island Discs: Gavin & Stacey's Big Songs Send Off will land on BBC Radio Wales and BBC Sounds on December 23.

Hosted by The One Show's Alex Jones, the show will relive some of the key musical moments from the sitcom and will include exclusive interviews with James, Joanna and Larry Lamb, who plays Mick Shipman. Alex said: "Like the rest of the nation, Gavin & Stacey got me hooked from the first ever episode.

"That’s why I’m thrilled to be hosting Barry Island Discs: Gavin & Stacey's Big Songs Send Off. Join me and some of your favourite cast members as we laugh, dance and cry to the show’s great soundtrack, all while they share some exclusive behind-the-scenes stories. You don't want to miss this."

Gavin & Stacey: The Finale will air on BBC One on Christmas Day.