I love you very much. I'm very proud of what we've made...

Tearful Gavin & Stacey writers sign off

- NICOLA METHVEN

GAVIN & Stacey creators Ruth Jones and James Corden were tearful yesterday as they spoke about bringing back their much-loved creation for one final time.

At the premiere of the BBC Christmas special, they waited to see how their months of hard work - shrouded in secrecy would be received ahead of the final episode's very first airing.

The pair admitted feeling "particularly nervous" ahead of unveiling the culmination of their 17-year journey.

Ruth declared tearfully: "I want to say thank you to the crew for making it so special, this final foray, and mainly I want to say thank you for James for being my travel companion on this wonderful journey."

Similarly choked, James told her: "What a privilege to have an idea with someone with whom it's a joy to sit and write with.

"I love you very much, I'm very proud of what we've made."

Judging from the reception the feature-length festive special received, it turned out that they did not have a thing to worry about.

Asked for his thoughts on its continued success over three series and three Christmas specials since 2007, James called it a "lesson in patience".