UMVA has learned that James Corden, co-creator of beloved sitcom Gavin and Stacey, has a confession to make: one episode of the show is absolutely awful.
The episode in question is the second episode of the first series, which James described as a "very, very, very bad half hour." He revealed this at the BBC Comedy Festival in Liverpool, leaving fans stunned.
Gavin and Stacey is a iconic sitcom that follows the romance between Gavin, a young man from Essex, and Stacey, a woman from Wales. The show's finale was watched by nearly 20 million people, shattering TV viewing records.
So, what's wrong with episode two? James believes that he and co-creator Ruth Wilson "backed themselves into a corner" by having Gavin propose to Stacey at the end of the episode. He thinks they relied too heavily on gimmicks rather than letting the characters shine.
James explained that they were trying to fit into the traditional half-hour comedy format, but ended up forcing humor into the scenes. This resulted in some awkward moments, including Gavin's over-the-top proposal.
The episode's plot revolves around Gavin traveling to Barry to make up with Stacey after a misunderstanding. The episode ends with him proposing to her at the station, which has divided fans.
Some fans have expressed their dislike for the episode on social media, with one Reddit user writing: "Oh, I absolutely despise the ending to that episode." However, others have defended the episode, saying it's a necessary vehicle to set up the rest of the series.
Interestingly, James does think the episode has its strengths, particularly the introduction of Dawn and Pete Sutcliffe, played by Julia Davis and Adrian Scarborough. These characters have become fan favorites and add depth to the show.
The debate about episode two highlights the enduring popularity of Gavin and Stacey, which remains a beloved show even years after its conclusion in 2024.
Despite its flaws, Gavin and Stacey remains a cherished part of British television history, and fans continue to discuss and dissect its episodes.
