'The script is nothing short of a masterpiece'

Mathew Horne on the final Gavin & Stacey

As Gavin & Stacey comes to an end, Mathew Horne talks about ‘sobbing uncontrollably’ as the final scenes were shot, the genius of James Corden and Ruth Jones’s script, and how the character of Gavin will be on his epitaph…

How did it feel when you received the final script and what was your initial reaction?

I was nervous about reading the script. It’s always been Ruth and James’ priority to get the script perfect in the first instance. To tell a story the right way. And I had no evidence to suggest that this final script wouldn’t adhere to those principles and be anything other than brilliant.

But I did have a nervous compulsion to read it immediately and my expectations were exceeded. It made me laugh, it made me cry and upon completion I thought it was nothing short of a masterpiece. Not just in terms of an episode of Gavin & Stacey, but frankly any script I’ve ever read. I immediately took to our WhatsApp group to say as much!

The nerves started upon finishing reading the script… as I hoped we could all meet the quality of the script on shooting it. It hasn’t disappointed!

In 2007 the first episode aired, can you remember what it was like to be a part of the show in those early years?

There was a big difference between the airing of the first series and airing of the second series. The show was largely ignored in the press but you could feel the buzz and word-of-mouth grow among audiences that continues to this day. It was a sense of joy and love for the show across peers within the industry and audiences across the country.

What is your earliest Gavin & Stacey memory?

Filming at Marylebone Station is an early memory that stands out as we were filming and I bumped into a musician who I really admired. That and losing the light when filming in Leicester Square stand out for me.

Do you have a favourite Gavin moment from the entire series?

I have several but the scene with Bryn on the computer in his house stands out. The dynamic between the two characters was starting to form, which is a relationship that has subtly bubbled away to this day. Which brings me to another favourite moment that I can’t reveal as it develops and finalises that storyline and would be a spoiler.

Fans are going to get glimpse behind the scenes with an accompanying documentary. What was that like to film?

Intense is the only word for it! They first caught me at a particularly raw moment in the show and in my life regarding the timeline of Gavin Shipman! I can’t really remember what I said, but it definitely lacked composure.

Luckily for me, anything with me sobbing uncontrollably will hopefully be cut. I had a bit of warning for the main interview, so I had a bit more time to prepare and reflect.

What does Gavin & Stacey mean to you?

I’m still discovering what it means to me, because it’s really significant what it means to everyone else who tells me what it means to them. If that makes sense!

For me it’s pretty clear it’s defined my career to date and therefore my whole life. But new levels of meaning reveal themselves as time passes. I’m not sure I can predict what it will ultimately mean to me as that’s for the future, but the broadcast of the finale on Christmas Day will I’m sure be a significant moment or milestone in that journey.

Why do you think the show continues to be so popular and loved with audiences?

I think the show is relatable and idealistic. I think there are elements - primarily the themes of love, family and friendship - that everybody aspires to. It’s also for those fortunate enough to have a life of love and family a mirror to their world. I think you’d be hard pushed to find a better televisual representation of those themes. It is inclusive, joyous and full of hope for humanity.

Did you sneak any memorabilia home with you from set?

I already have something from Gwen’s house from the last special. There was a beautiful antique engraving of some daffodils. When we shot the last special I’d not long lost my mother whose favourite flower was the daffodil, so I asked our production designer for the piece from set and he kindly gave it to me. He also framed Gavin’s office door sign from early series, which I treasure.

How did it feel to be on set for the last time with everyone?

Incredibly emotional. It felt very much like the end of an era, but the love and friendship between the cast - my second family - will not end. There’s something very beautiful about that.

Gavin Shipman will be on my epitaph, I assume, but the show will live on long after I’m gone.

• Gavin & Stacey: The Finale will air at 9pm on Christmas Day and the behind-the-scenes documentary Gavin & Stacey: A Fond Farewell will air at 7pm on New Year’s Day, both on BBC One and iPlayer.

Gavin and Stacey final episode