Gavin & Stacey special breaks BBC records
Comedy special is the biggest BBC programme outside of sporting & national events since 2002.
- Published by David Knox
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The Gavin & Stacey Christmas Special was watched by a British audience of 18.5m, becoming the biggest BBC TV programme outside of sporting and national events since records began in 2002.
That also makes it the biggest single episode of any comedy programme across all channels since 2002.
Of the 18.5 million individuals who tuned in to see the Shipmans and the Wests reunited for Christmas in Barry, 4.9 million were 16-34 year olds.
James Corden and Ruth Jones said: “It’s mind blowing that so many people watched our show – we still can’t get our heads round it, what a massive compliment. We are indebted to the BBC for their incredible support but most importantly to those 18.5 million viewers for watching. We just hope one day we can let them know what Smithy said next…”
Charlotte Moore, Director BBC Content, says: “These incredible viewing figures demonstrate the power of British comedy and the love for Gavin and Stacey. I want to thank James and Ruth for this gem and like everyone I’m longing to find out what happens next!”
Coronation Street in 2003 is the UK’s biggest ever TV programme outside of sporting and national events.
The biggest comedy before Gavin & Stacey was Only Fools And Horses with a seven day consolidated figure of 17.4m back in 2002. Gavin & Stacey Christmas Special has a 7-days 4-screen figure of 17.9m.
The reunion special screened in Australia on ABC Comedy at Christmas.
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- Tagged with Coronation Street, Gavin & Stacey, Only Fools and Horses
9 Responses
Why did records only begin in 2002? Seems rather late.
It’s current records. Australian ratings similarly changed in 2001. There are earlier records for both but you can’t compare as a different methodology.
I really enjoyed catching up with these characters once again. I wish it could have been a longer episode. It flew by.
It wasn’t perfect but it was great entertainment. I loved it.
I wish there was something else like this on at the moment.
There was The Office, The Royle Family, Extras, Gavin and Stacey… but what is there now?
Any suggestions for current great UK comedy I can catch up on?
Fleabag has topped a lot of lists.
I would recommend watching all ten series of the TV Benidorm. So funny so good and worth it. Early seasons of course the best, Benidorm is a place in Space Brits go to. Donald and Jacquline are some of the best characters …. oh yes
‘Space’?- under the impression it was in Spain! I recall some of it being shown on 7 as a summer filler many years ago-more like ‘Carry On Abroad’ than anything else.
Sorry far from Carry On abroad. Yes Spain LOL …. Last ten season and a 6 month run through out the UK so it has done something right
Most of those series are regulars on ABC Comedy 2 if you look for them…