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James Corden Calls Early Gavin & Stacey Episode 'Awful' at BBC Comedy Festival

His critique signals a reassessment of the show's early tone despite its record‑breaking 2024 finale.

Overview

  • At Liverpool’s BBC Comedy Festival, James Corden called the second episode of Gavin & Stacey “awful” and said co‑creator Ruth Jones and director Christine Gernon agreed.
  • He said the writers boxed themselves in by ending that instalment with an early engagement, which he felt forced story beats they had not earned.
  • Corden reflected that he and Jones were still finding the show’s tone at the time, seeing it now as closer to a character‑led comedy drama than a gag‑driven sitcom.
  • The comments arrive as the show’s 2024 Christmas special was reported as the UK’s most‑watched scripted broadcast since 2002, underscoring its lasting appeal.
  • Coverage also notes that Corden and Jones have reunited for public events and a book, with media reports pointing to a multi‑million‑pound Apple TV+ series that has not been formally confirmed.