James Corden may be one of the creative minds behind one of Britain’s most-loved sitcoms, but even he has admitted there is one Gavin and Stacey episode he can barely defend.
The actor and writer, who created the BBC comedy with Ruth Jones in 2007, has revealed that he still looks back on the show’s second episode with regret — branding it “awful” and describing it as “a very, very, very bad half hour” of television.
The episode in question saw Gavin and Stacey’s whirlwind romance move at lightning speed, with Gavin travelling to Wales to propose after the pair had only just met in London during the opening episode.
Speaking at the BBC Comedy Festival, James admitted that while the episode had some “saving graces,” he still felt the story had forced him into a creative corner. He explained that ending the episode with Gavin and Stacey getting engaged left him feeling trapped by the direction the show had suddenly taken.
“It’s an awful episode,” James said, making a surprisingly blunt confession about a sitcom that went on to become one of the BBC’s biggest comedy hits.
Gavin and Stacey first aired in 2007 and quickly built a loyal fanbase thanks to its warm humour, unforgettable characters and the chemistry between its cast. James starred as Smithy, while Ruth Jones played Nessa, with the pair becoming two of the show’s most iconic figures.
The series ran for three seasons until 2010 before returning for a hugely anticipated Christmas special in 2019. Fans were then given a final farewell in 2024, when the show’s last episode aired on Christmas Day.
That finale was widely praised by viewers and critics, especially after Nessa and Smithy finally confessed their love for one another and tied the knot — giving fans the ending they had waited years to see.
Since then, James and Ruth have continued to work closely together. The pair recently appeared on stage to promote their book, When Gavin Met Stacey And Everything In Between, hosting live shows where they reflected on their friendship, their writing partnership and the making of the beloved sitcom.
They are also reportedly joining forces once again for a new series after signing a multi-million-pound deal with Apple TV+.
Meanwhile, Ruth has also been addressing rumours about her own future on television. During an appearance on The Jonathan Ross Show, she was asked whether she would ever take part in Strictly Come Dancing.
Ruth admitted she had watched the show and was impressed by what contestants manage to do, but made it clear that dancing under the glitterball was not for her. “I’ve been and watched Strictly, and it is amazing what people do,” she said. “But it is absolutely not for me. They would have to pay me an absolutely ridiculous amount of money – there isn’t a figure.”
She also responded to speculation that she could appear on Celebrity Traitors, revealing that she had been approached about the show but decided it was not something she wanted to do.
“There was a big rumour about me doing it as well,” Ruth said. “The thing is I had sort of been asked about doing it and I love the show and I think it’s amazing, but then I thought I’ll have to put on a wet suit and I’ll have to go in one of them lochs, I’ll get bitten by the midges. I’d rather sit in my pyjamas and watch everyone else.”
For fans, James’s brutally honest admission is a rare glimpse behind the curtain of a national comedy treasure — proving that even the creators of a beloved classic can still look back and wince at the moments they wish they had done differently.
