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 muchloved 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".