James Corden, the co-creator of the BBC’s beloved sitcom Gavin & Stacey, has admitted that not all of his own work sits comfortably with him. Speaking candidly at the BBC Comedy Festival, the 44-year-old star described one episode from the early series as “awful”—leaving fans of the show stunned.
The comedy, created in 2007 by Corden and Ruth Jones, quickly became a cultural phenomenon. The duo also starred as Smithy and Nessa, capturing the hearts of audiences with their quirky, heartfelt storytelling and sharp humour. Over three original series, ending in 2010, and with a highly praised Christmas Special in 2019, followed by the 2024 finale, Gavin & Stacey has become a benchmark for British sitcoms. Yet despite its legendary status, Corden admits that one episode sticks out for all the wrong reasons.
“It’s a very, very, very bad half hour,” James said. “There were some saving graces, but overall… it’s awful.” He referred specifically to the second episode, in which the titular characters, Gavin and Stacey, become engaged after a whirlwind romance. The episode sees Gavin, newly smitten, travel to Wales to propose following a heated phone dispute—a storyline that Corden now admits left him feeling “backed into a corner.”
Speaking about the pressure to end the episode with the engagement, he explained that it felt forced. “I just felt like I was backed into a corner by the story,” he admitted, reflecting on how the narrative may have compressed the romantic arc too abruptly. For many fans, the episode marked a pivotal moment, as Gavin and Stacey transitioned from awkward courtship to a fully-fledged engagement—but for Corden, the execution didn’t hit the mark.
The creators’ affection for the show is undeniable. Despite his harsh assessment, Corden’s remarks are tempered with acknowledgement of the show’s enduring charm. “There were saving graces,” he said. “Moments that worked, performances that were funny, things that would make the audience laugh. But as a whole, that half-hour… I cringe a little thinking back on it.”
The show’s finale, in contrast, was widely praised. Airing on Christmas Day 2024, the long-awaited conclusion saw Nessa and Smithy finally confess their love and tie the knot, giving fans the satisfying closure they had long awaited. The reception to the finale highlighted the enduring affection audiences hold for the characters, even if the journey had its uneven moments.
Corden and Ruth Jones have since reunited for a new series under a multi-million-pound deal with Apple TV+, demonstrating that while early missteps exist, the creative partnership remains strong. Earlier this year, they promoted their book, When Gavin Met Stacey and Everything In Between, during a live tour of shows exploring their friendship, experiences on set, and reflections on the show’s journey.
Fans will recall that Corden and Jones’ characters, Smithy and Nessa, were iconic figures in British comedy. Their quirky banter, emotional vulnerability, and unorthodox relationship dynamics helped propel Gavin & Stacey into the nation’s heart, and the actors’ candid reflections on both triumphs and misfires offer rare insight into the creative process behind one of the BBC’s most beloved sitcoms.
During the Comedy Festival conversation, Ruth Jones also shared her own thoughts on recent projects and rumours. Asked about participating in Strictly Come Dancing, she was unequivocal: “It’s absolutely not for me. They’d have to pay me an absolutely ridiculous amount of money—there isn’t a figure.” Her humorous refusal revealed both her personality and her prioritization of personal comfort over public spectacle—a philosophy that clearly translates into her careful approach to her work on Gavin & Stacey.
Jones also addressed speculation about joining Celebrity Traitors Series Two. While the star-studded spin-off had previously featured Jonathan Ross as a Traitor, rumours suggested that Jones might participate. She laughed off the suggestion, joking that the logistics—“having to put on a wetsuit and go into one of the lochs” while facing midges—made the concept unappealing. “I’d rather sit in my pyjamas and watch everyone else,” she quipped, showcasing her dry humour and relatable perspective.
Returning to Corden’s critique, the timing of his comments highlights the contrast between creator self-criticism and fan nostalgia. While the engagement episode remains a pivotal plot point, it is intriguing that even a co-creator with decades of experience can find elements of their own work uncomfortable or imperfect. “You don’t always see the mistakes when you’re in the moment,” he reflected. “It’s only looking back that you realise some parts of the story didn’t land as you hoped.”
Fans, for their part, have been quick to respond online, debating whether the episode truly deserved such harsh judgement. Many defend it as a charming and necessary step in Gavin and Stacey’s love story, while others nod to Corden’s perspective, acknowledging that narrative pacing in sitcoms can sometimes feel rushed, particularly when resolving major plot developments like engagements.
The combination of nostalgia, behind-the-scenes commentary, and the revelation that creators are willing to critique their own legacy has captivated audiences. In an era when fan scrutiny can be relentless, the honesty displayed by both Corden and Jones offers a refreshing glimpse into the creative pressures behind producing beloved comedy.
Looking ahead, the new Apple TV+ series promises to build on the rich legacy of the original, balancing fan expectations with the creators’ evolved vision. With multi-million-pound backing and renewed collaboration between Corden and Jones, fans are anticipating another wave of Gavin & Stacey brilliance, complete with the witty dialogue, emotional stakes, and comedic timing that first captured hearts nearly two decades ago.
In conclusion, while the second episode of Gavin & Stacey may remain a sore spot for its creator, the sitcom’s overall legacy is undeniable. James Corden’s candid reflection is a testament to the challenges of storytelling, especially in the high-pressure environment of British comedy. It reminds fans that even the most cherished series are shaped by trial, error, and a willingness to critique—even from within.
The ongoing success of Gavin & Stacey, alongside Corden and Jones’ future projects, demonstrates that self-reflection and bold creative choices can coexist with enduring audience affection. And while that “very, very, very bad half hour” may be remembered for the wrong reasons, the series as a whole remains a crown jewel of BBC comedy, beloved by millions across generations.
