James Corden issues moving message and new photo to fans after Gavin and Stacey finale

James Corden issued a moving thank-you to fans after more than 12 million people tuned in to watch the finale of Gavin and Stacey. The sitcom secured the biggest Christmas Day TV ratings in 16 years, with 12.3 million tuning in according to overnight figures.

Corden, who created the series alongside Ruth Jones, shared a number of photos from behind the scenes on Instagram last night (December 26) - showing off-camera moments from the filming of the finale. He also penned an emotional farewell to the show, giving a heartfelt thanks to those who tuned in.

Corden wrote: "Here’s some behind the scenes photos from the special. Thank you so much to everyone who watched last night. It means more than you’ll know. All my love, James xx.”

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In the finale, viewers discovered the fate of Corden's character, Neil 'Smithy' Smith, five years on from the marriage proposal by Jones' character, Vanessa 'Nessa' Jenkins. Fans returned the thanks to Corden on Instagram in a series of gushing replies.

Music producer Darren Styles wrote: “The perfect ending! BRB (Be right back) while I rewatch every episode for the millionth time.” Girls Aloud star Kimberley Walsh added: “Aw loved it so much.”

The series originally aired between 2007 and 2010, and told the long-distance love story of title characters Stacey, played by Joanna Page, and Gavin Shipman, played by Mathew Horne. It returned in 2019 for a special episode that at the time held the record for the highest overnight Christmas ratings since 2008, at 11.6 million.