Four clues Gavin & Stacey was returning for another Christmas special as James Corden sends fans wild with announcement

THRILLED fans are celebrating the news Gavin and Stacey is to return for another Christmas special.

Despite previous denials from the cast, many viewers claim they had already worked out it was on the cards.

Here we take a look at the four clues that pointed towards a second Christmas episode.

James Corden unemployed

RUTH JONES' writing partner James Corden quit his job on The Late Late Show in 2022.

He ditched Los Angeles for the UK after seven years hosting the American chat show.

It meant he had time to write the script after returning home to where he was first inspired to create the hit series.

James and Ruth spotted together

BACK in November 2023, long-time friends James and Ruth were seen together heading out for a stroll in London.

It sparked speculation they had met up to start writing for a new Christmas special.

However, in Februrary Ruth poured cold water on the idea they were secretly plotting a comeback, saying "sadly it's just a rumour".

Speaking to Irish station RTE Radio 1, she added: "All I can say is, if there was something to say on that front, [co-creator] James [Corden] and I would happily announce it, we would."

2019 Christmas special was left on 'cliffhanger'

JAMES and Ruth appeared to suggest they always planned to bring Gavin and Stacey back for a final time.

The talented writers ended the 2019 Christmas special on a cliffhanger - making it likely they would return to tie up the loose ends.

Nessa got down on one knee and proposed to on/off lover Smithy after meeting his girlfriend.

Lucy - played by Laura Aikman - wasn't liked by Smithy's friends and family when she came to visit on Christmas Day in Wales' Barry.

They were baffled by Smithy's change of accent and behaviour while trying to impress his other half.

Fans are desperate to see Smithy dump Lucy and marry Nessa - who he shares Neil the baby with - instead.

Netflix bid rumours

THE Sun revealed in February that mega-bucks streaming giant Netflix is battling to steal it from the BBC, which has aired it since 2007.

It comes more than four years after the 2019 festive special where a record 18 million viewers tuned in for the last episode.

The streaming company’s CEOs Ted Sarandos and Greg Peters were said to be “extremely excited” at the prospect of landing the show, which is set in Barry, South Wales, and Billericay in Essex.