Gavin and Stacey to RETURN on BBC after 9 years away

Gavin and Stacey is set to return to the BBC after nine years away.

The popular sitcom, featuring Mathew Horne and Joanna Page and created by Ruth Jones and James Corden, will be back for a Christmas special.

In a statement, Jones and Corden said: "Over the last 10 years we've talked a lot about Gavin and Stacey - where they might be today and what their lives might look like.

"And so in secret we took the plunge and wrote this one-hour special.

"We've loved revisiting Barry and Essex again and bringing the characters back together has been a joy.

Picture Shows L-R; Nessa (RUTH JONES), Stacey (JOANNA PAGE), Gavin (MATHEW HORNE) & Smithy (JAMES CORDEN) © Baby Cow Tx: BBC Three, TBC WARNING: Use of this copyrighted image is subject to Terms of Use of BBC Digital Picture Service. In particular, this image may only be used during the publicity period for the purpose of publicising 'Gavin & Stacey' and provided the BBC is credited. Any use of this image on the internet or for any other purpose whatsoever, including advertising or other commercial uses, requires the prior written approval of Baby Cow. (BBC)

Gavin and Stacey will be returning to the BBC after nine years (BBC)

"We're so excited to get the chance to work with our fabulous cast and crew once more and to give fans of the show a festive treat this Christmas. Thank you BBC for helping to make this happen."

Corden also confirmed the news on Twitter today and admitted that he had been keeping the secret a while.

He wrote: "Ruth Jones and I have been keeping this secret for a while... We’re excited to share it with you. See you on Christmas Day ⁦@BBCOne⁩ #GavinandStacey."

He also attached a picture of the highly anticipated script, which simply read: "Gavin & Stacey: Christmas Special 2019."

Actor Rob Brydon, who stars in the show, tweeted in reply: "SURPRISE!!! SURPRISE!!SURPRISE!!! SURPRISE!!! SURPRISE!!! SURPRISE!!! SURPRISE!!!!!!!!"

Fans were similarly ecstatic over the news and flocked to Twitter to comment in excitement.

One wrote: "OHMYGOD."

While another commented: "Really?? If it is that's brilliant news.. we need a laff!!"

A third remarked: "@xemmamarshall omg omg omg omg omg omg omg omg OMG omg omg omg omg OMG OMG omg omg omg omg omg omg omg omg omg omg omg omg omg."

The British sitcom aired from 2007 to 2010 and followed the lives of Gavin Shipman, from Essex, and Stacey Shipman (nee West) from Wales.

The show focused on the couple's relationship and various situations that brought their families together.

It also starred Larry Lamb, Rob Brydon, Alison Steadman and Melanie Walters.

The 2010 New Year's Day finale was watched by more than 10.2 million viewers.

Charlotte Moore, director of BBC content, said: "Everyone at the BBC is hugely excited to be welcoming back Gavin and Stacey to BBC One this Christmas.

"We can't wait to see what's happened to everyone over the last nine years and what's next for one of the nation's favourite comedy families."

The sitcom was a breakthrough hit for BBC Three and eventually moved to BBC One.

Corden went on to find fame in the US as host of The Late Late Show, best known for its Carpool Karaoke segment.