Our take
The best kind of Christmas special: the whole extended family under one roof, too much food, too much drink and a row that has been brewing all year. It is funny and warm in equal measure, and every guest at the table gets a moment. Smithy singing along to Band Aid in his van is the bit everyone remembers, but the quieter scenes, such as Bryn and Jason's awkward heart-to-heart, are what make it a repeat-every-year favourite.
What happens
It is Christmas Eve, and this year the Welsh side of the family is heading to Essex. Dave drives Nessa, Gwen, Bryn and Jason east in his coach, while in Billericay Pam has laid on a lavish spread and Dawn and Pete come round for drinks. Smithy cannot wait to spend his first Christmas with baby Neil, only to find Dave settling in beside Nessa and playing the family man. Bryn and Jason have an awkward heart-to-heart about that fishing trip, Bryn keeps his mistletoe close, and Mick's turkey dinner is the centrepiece of Christmas Day. Once the bubbly starts flowing, Gavin and Stacey make an announcement that lands badly with Pam and with Smithy, and the festive mood cracks. By the time the presents are unwrapped, Dave has one more surprise: a proposal to Nessa.
Can the kids watch it?
Rated 12 by the BBFC for moderate sex references and language, so best for 12 and over, with younger children watching alongside a parent.