Ruth Jones shuts down news of 2024 Gavin & Stacey Christmas special
It's "sadly a rumour"
Despite it being both Pancake Day and Valentine's Day this week, it's safe to say the biggest news of the week so far has been that popular BBC sitcom Gavin & Stacey was getting a brand new Christmas special!
The nation were left in a tizzy, shouting "Oh my Christ" and "What's occurrin'?" after Deadline reported filming was due to take place in the Summer for a Christmas Day episode, but now it looks like we all need to just calm down...
Ruth Jones, the show's co-creator alongside James Corden, has spoken to RTE Radio 1 today (Wednesday 14th February), where she's revealed the news is "sadly a rumour".
She said: "All I can say is, if there was something to say on that front, James and I would happily announce it, we would."
Ruth, who played the iconic role of Nessa in the sitcom, also addressed rumours that the BBC were in a 'bidding war' with Netflix.
She added: "When he (James Corden) came back from America, we went for lunch in London a few months ago and we got papped.
"And then the next thing is 'Oh my god, they must be writing more Gavin & Stacey', which is lovely. It's lovely that people love it and they're so desperate for it."
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Channel: ITV2/STV2
Deal or No Deal
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The brand new series kicked off on Monday 20th November 2023, taking over Tipping Point's slot on ITV/STV. Despite only airing for four weeks, the show was loved by viewers. It has since had two successful series, including a number of specials!
Channel: ITV/STV
Gladiators
90s gameshow Gladiators was a huge hit with viewers before it was axed in 2000, so it's no surprise fans were delighted when BBC bosses confirmed they were rebooting the show.
With Bradley Walsh and his son Barney confirmed as the new hosts, the 11-part series was filmed in Sheffield in June 2023, and hit our screens in January 2024, with six million people tuning in for the first episode. Following the series one final, the show was renewed for a second series, as well a celebrity version! Bosses have now confirmed Gladiators will be back for a third series in early 2026.
Channel: BBC/BBC iPlayer
Survivor
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Starting on 28th October 2023 and airing for eight weeks, 18 people from across the UK were marooned in a tropical location in two tribes and went head-to-head in a range of physical and psychological challenges. During the final in December 2023, Matthew was crowned the winner. It hasn't yet been announced if the show will return for another series.
Channel: BBC/BBC iPlayer
Waterloo Road
BBC school drama Waterloo Road was axed after 10 series back in 2015, but fans were over the moon in 2022 when it was announced the school's doors were re-opening, with some original cast members returning!
Series 11 aired on BBC One in January 2023, with series 12 starting on 16th May. Series 13 then kicked off in January 2024, with series 14 landing in September 2024. Series 15 aired in February 2025 and bosses have now revealed Waterloo Road will run on the BBC until at least 2026.
Channel: BBC/BBC iPlayer
Jeopardy!
The US version of Jeopardy! was a massive hit in the 1980s when it was first shown in the UK, and ITV bosses signed up Stephen Fry to host a UK version!
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Channel: ITV/STV
Wheel of Fortune
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Channel: ITV/STV
Byker Grove
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Gavin and Stacey
After YEARS of reunion rumours following the last Christmas special in 2019, James Corden and Ruth Jones finally confirmed the news they've written a brand new special of Gavin & Stacey in 2024! The one-off special, which featured the original cast, was the last ever episode of the popular sitcom, and went down a storm with viewers!
Channel: BBC One/BBC iPlayer
Outnumbered
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Channel: BBC One/BBC iPlayer
Bullseye
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Channel: ITV/STV
60 Minute Makeover
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Channel: ITV/STV
So, although it sounds like there's no immediate plans for a brand new Christmas special of Gavin & Stacey, it does sound like Ruth and James are aware that the public are desperate for new episodes.
With rumours rife of a new series since that cliffhanger ending on Christmas Day in 2019, BBC's Chief Content Officer, Charlotte Moore, said in 2020 that there will be episodes in the future. She said: "That wasn't something that was going to happen this year," before adding: "One day."
Whilst we sit patiently for any more news, you can binge old episode on BBC iPlayer.
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