How Gavin and Stacey's Christmas Special perfectly set up one final episode

***Warning: Gavin and Stacey Christmas Special spoilers ahead***

James Corden and Ruth Jones had one hell of a job on their hands when they decided to revive the beloved Gavin and Stacey for a Christmas catch-up after nine years away.

It’s fair to say, they smashed it – and the Shipman and Wests came back into our lives like they’ve never been away. You love to see it.

But it was Nessa’s proposal to Smithy at the end of the episode sending the entire UK into overdrive, it’s pretty obvious that their story is not quite done yet.

So I’m here to throw my toys out of the pram and beg James and Ruth for more installments – but only one more.

That proposal was one hell of a cliffhanger to just leave out there with no real answer, even though Ruth Jones has had to insist a million times that there are no plans for a comeback.

But unlike the series three ending, where the question loomed about Nessa and Smithy’s relationship but ultimately didn’t matter either way, this one clonked you over the head –  and it demands an answer.

British TV has always known how to quit when it’s ahead, and in that sense, and for something so universally beloved as Gavin and Stacey, no one wants to see the concept run into the ground.

Please, please let the show quit while it’s ahead. The return was a labour of love for a reason for the two writers as they juggled working across two continents, and so forcing it would be too much.

But saying a proper farewell to the characters before they continue their lives away from a screen is something I can get behind.

There’s always scope in a Smithy and Nessa wedding, which may be the most bonkers event to ever grace the UK as they argue all the way to the finish line.

… But then again, we haven’t even heard him say yes yet.

In fact, he was actually planning on popping the question to new girlfriend Sonia, and even mailed the ring ahead of time to her grandparents’ house – her grandparents’ house she is currently at after pegging it from the Wests.

So if she gets to that package before he does… he might have some explaining to do if he decides to take back his planned proposal.

Then there’s the fight over whether to move to Barry, or stay in Billericay, which seems to be why they didn’t work the last time but still have sex whenever Smithy pops up to see Neil the Baby.

The hype around Gavin and Stacey’s comeback proved that this show may just be the defining sitcom of a generation akin to Only Fools and Horses – and for that it’ll be treasured for years.

But watering down 20 solid episodes with more that might not live up to the standard its set for itself – and even in the Christmas special, as much as we absolutely loved it, relied on tried and tested comedy beats throughout.

It’s what’s needed in a special after so long away but it’s not enough to keep up a show.

So please, James and Ruth, give us one more special – and then allow the show to fade to black with the theme song a-blazing in our memories forever.

Gavin and Stacey is available now on BBC iPlayer and Britbox.

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