Fans of Gavin and Stacey were left furious just minutes into the Christmas special when they realized Smithy, played by James Corden, would not marry Ness (Ruth Jones) following his surprise proposal at the end of the 2019 festive offer.

Instead, he was to marry his girlfriend Sonia (Laura Aikman), who was featured in this special. The episode was dedicated to preparing for their big day.

It turns out that not only did he not give Nessa an answer when she proposed, but he also asked Sonia to marry him the very next day, meaning they’ve been together since five years at this point.

Fans were devastated by this outcome on the BBC sitcom after hoping Nessa and Smithy would end up together and called on X to speak out about it.

“Sonia is a good and valid reason to cancel the TV license! #GavinAndStacey #tvlicense #bbc,” railed one of them. “HE PROPOSED TO SONIA THE NEXT DAY?! #GavinAndStacey,” exclaimed another.

Another chimed in: “I don’t hate Sonia, I just don’t think she fits in well with Smithy. #GavinAndStacey.”

A fourth said: “I don’t care if Nessa and Smithy get together or not until he gets married to Sonia #GavinAndStacey.”

“What I want to know is how Smithy lasted 5 years with Sonia in the first place it’s a nightmare and they’re not suitable at all #GavinAndStacey #gavinandstaceythefinale,” a fifth asked.

Meanwhile, a sixth viewer said: “Sonia retains her status as the UK’s most hated woman then #GavinAndStacey.”

The cast and crew had managed to keep Sonia’s return quiet and there was no indication that she would return, which made her upcoming nuptials to Smithy all the more surprising.

Alongside Sonia, all the familiar faces were back for the episode which creators Ruth and James say is the final episode of the popular series. BBC sitcom.

Speaking on Good Morning Britain, James emphatically said: “It’s definitely the last time you’ll see them (the characters), without a doubt.”

Meanwhile, Ruth hinted at possible emotional turmoil ahead, saying: “When you see this episode, you’ll say, ‘There’s nowhere to go after this’.”