BBC bosses in huge battle to get new Gavin & Stacey festive special for Christmas as streaming giants plot to grab show

BEEB bosses are throwing everything at bagging the Gavin and Stacey festive special so it can air on BBC1 on Christmas Day.

They want it to be the huge shared experience of December 25 — just like in 2019 when 11.6million viewers tuned in to see the last instalment.

But the broadcaster faces a big-money challenge from streaming giant Netflix, which is eyeing the show even before stars James Corden and Ruth Jones have written it.

A TV insider said: “The Beeb wants this to be their gift to the nation on Christmas Day.

“But because they’re funded by licence fee payers, they know they can’t compete with an international streaming giant when it comes to offering a huge six-figure deal.

“They’re hoping offering the prime festive spot and the promise of another huge audience will be enough.

“Netflix may have the money, but they don’t have viewers in virtually every living room.”

It was revealed earlier this month that Corden and Jones had reunited to create the festive special.

When catch up figures were added, the last one was viewed more than 18million times — making it the most watched comedy TV show in more than a decade.

The BBC has declined to comment.