It was confirmed earlier this month that Gavin and Stacey is making a return after creators and stars James Corden and Ruth Jones announced the news on Instagram

Gavin and Stacey fans are set for heartbreak as a beloved star is rumoured not to be returning for the final episode.

Earlier this month, it was confirmed that the popular BBC sitcom would be making a comeback. Creators and stars James Corden and Ruth Jones broke the news on Instagram.

The duo posted a picture of themselves looking over a script labelled: “Gavin and Stacey: the finale” along with the date 2024. In the caption, James penned: “Some news… it’s official! We have finished writing the last ever episode of Gavin and Stacey. See you on Christmas Day, BBC One. Love Ruth and James.”

The announcement sent fans into a frenzy – with the show last airing in 2019. However, while the cast list has yet to be revealed, it’s been suggested one favourite will not be returning for the final hurrah.

TV sensation Sheridan Smith portrayed Ruth ‘Rudi’ Smith on the sitcom. Rudi was the younger sister of Smithy, played by James Corden. But fans eager to see Sheridan reprise her role may be left disappointed. According to insiders, there have been “no conversations” about Sheridan returning.

“Sheridan is highly unlikely to appear in the Gavin and Stacey finale. She’s not been contacted by anyone about reprising her role and she has other big opportunities in the pipeline,” a source told MailOnline. They further stated: “Sheridan has huge respect for everybody involved in Gavin and Stacey and loved her time on the comedy, it was a fun time in her life.”

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This follows Joanna, who portrays Stacey, expressing her enthusiasm about the show’s return. During her new podcast with EastEnders star Natalie Cassidy, Joanna revealed: “I’m so excited to see the gang again and start filming, and I can’t wait to find out if Smithy has said yes.”

Just a few months ago, Sheridan Smith said it wasn’t ‘necessary’ to film more episodes of Gavin and Stacey (
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“I can’t wait to find out what’s happening to everybody! I’m going to have to keep that script away from your [Natalie’s] little paws. But yeah we are going to be able to review it on our show at Christmas and I will be very cross if you aren’t sitting down on Christmas Day watching me!”

Speaking in December, Sheridan – who once dated Smithy actor James – said she didn’t think any more episodes of Gavin and Stacey were necessary. Speaking to Jason King on Heart Breakfast, ahead of the Christmas special being announced, the mum-of-one admitted she is still asked about the show.

“People ask quite a lot, I have not a clue if they’re going to do anymore or not, I really don’t know,” she mused. “But I think what they’ve done is genius, they’ve left it on a high haven’t they, so many shows overdo it, because we all want more, we all want more Gavin & Stacey.”