James Corden fights back tears as he gives update on final ever episode of Gavin and Stacey
Even though we're in the height of summer - although the weather doesn't reflect it - all Gavin and Stacey fans want to do is fast-forward to December so that they can finally get their long-awaited fix of the hilarious series.
It's been five years since we last got a look at what was going on with the comical clan on Barry Island and in Billericay, but viewers are still desperate to find out what happens after that dramatic cliffhanger.
However, people are all too aware it's going to be bittersweet when the Gavin and Stacey Christmas episode finally airs, as it marks the beginning of the end of the beloved British sitcom.
If it's any consolation, it's creators James Corden and Ruth Jones are feeling the exact same - and the actor who played the beer-guzzling, Indian takeaway-loving, West Ham United fan 'Smithy' was left fighting back tears while discussing it. Take a look at this:
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During an appearance on Virgin Radio's The Chris Evans Breakfast Show on Friday (19 July), the 45-year-old gave a highly-anticipated update on the finale episode while opening up about the emotional rollercoaster it has taken him on.
In May, James shared an Instagram post showing him and Ruth clutching the script for the last instalment of Gavin and Stacey while telling fans they had 'finished writing' it, before adding: "See you on Christmas Day, BBC One."
But just last month, he warned viewers that it's 'going to be tight' to get it all done before 25 December and explained that production will begin in September or October.
As well as all the behind the scenes preparation stalling progress on the Gavin and Stacey finale, James explained he and Ruth have had to sit down to re-write the script after realising it was 'too long' - all while they are both starring in theatre shows.
The father-of-three said after working through the 'logistics' of it all and 'trying to make it as economical as possible', he and his hilarious co-star finally completed the re-writes last Thursday night (18 July).
James told radio host Chris that his family had gone to watch Ruth star in Sister Act in the West End to celebrate his niece's birthday and that he joined them in her dressing room after he had finished his gig in The Constituent at London’s Old Vic Theatre.
He explained: "Ruth and I walked back to her place and we just sat and we had a drink. We actually sent the cast a photo, on our little chat group, saying, 'We've finished our shows, we've finished our re-writes and the script will be winding it's way to you'. I guess they will get the script in the next few days."
But James revealed that the emotions they felt weren't similar to the relief you feel after handing in a long assignment - in fact, both he and Ruth were left very upset about the fact Gavin and Stacey will soon be no more.
He continued: "I find myself constantly going, almost everyday, 'I don't know what I have done to deserve these memories and these people and everything'. Ruth and I, we first opened a laptop 20-years-ago.
"Twenty years ago, we were like, 'I wonder if these characters could tell a story'. And then 20 years later, to be just writing the words 'The End' - and that's it forever and ever. 20 years, a 20 year friendship which has just spanned so much stuff.
"We just sat last night and we were like, 'Ah. That's it now'. We've finished writing.
"We'll never write anything that Pam says again. We will never write 'interior: Gwen's house'. We will never come up with an interesting thing that Bryn has done. And we just looked at each other and were like, 'Isn't that amazing?'
"To even have the luxury of deciding to end it and to be in a position where people still care. It's inconceivable to us. All of it. I just feel very emotional about all of it. Everything."
Fans of the show rushed to social media to share their thoughts on James' poignant admission.
One said: "That just made me cry! Really looking forward to this finale. Thank you James and Ruth."
Another wrote: "A very talented, incredible guy. Gavin and Stacey is just a classic, delighted there will be a Christmas special, gutted it will finally come to an end."
A third added: "Love this interview. Grateful and gutted for this end."
While a fourth chimed in: "OMG I am blubbing!! What beautiful words."
Put it this way, I think we will all have the Kleenex on standby in anticipation for the last time we hear: "Tell me tomorrow il wait by the window....for you."
Topics: Gavin And Stacey, James Corden, TV and Film, BBC, UK News, Celebrity
Olivia Burke