BBC Gavin and Stacey finale beaten after staggering number of viewers as star makes future series statement

Gavin and Stacey have had its huge success confirmed once again following its return for one last time on Christmas Day. However, it has been pipped to the record-holding spot when it comes to viewing figures.

It was initially announced that more than 12 million people had tuned in on December 25 to watch the final outing of the much-loved sitcom after Ruth Jones and James Cordon reunited once again for Gavin and Stacey: The Finale.

During the final-ever episode, Neil 'Smithy' Smith, played by James, stopped Vanessa 'Nessa' Jenkins from going back to work on the ships by racing to Southampton Docks after jilting his bride, Sonia, at the alter.

Smithy was flanked by his friends, including Gavin and Stacey Shipman and Gavan's parents Pam and Mick, as he proposed to her before the final scene - a heartwarming montage of a low-key wedding and celebrating with their loved ones as the couple finally got their happy ever after.

Now, the BBC has revealed that latest viewing figures for the Gavin and Stacey episode - and it's been pipped to the top spot for the first time since it aired.

The latest 28-day viewing data confirms that not only is Gavin and Stacey: The Finale at an astonishing 20.9m viewers after 28 days, but Wallace and Gromit: Vengeance Most Fowl has also broken through the 20m mark reaching 21.6 million already and seeing a huge uplift with audiences, particularly children, on iPlayer and across the BBC’s channels.

The record breaking numbers make them the UK’s biggest scripted and animation shows since modern records began in 2002.

Charlotte Moore, BBC’s Chief Content Officer said: "These figures exceed all expectations, to reach over 20 million is an astonishing milestone in 2025. These two quintessentially