Gavin and Stacey's Ruth Jones slams 'mean' leaks about return ahead of Christmas special

Ruth Jones has slammed what she's described as "really mean" leaks about the eagerly awaited Gavin and Stacey Christmas special. The 57-year-old actress, who co-wrote the beloved BBC series with James Corden, 45, was aiming to surprise fans with a festive revival this year, as Deadline reported.

Speaking on BBC Radio 4, Ruth shared her frustration, saying she had hoped to keep it under wraps for viewers' delight. "It was unfortunate because James and I wanted to give everybody a nice surprise and I think it was really mean that they leaked it," Ruth lamented.

She also discussed how the premature disclosure forced her into an uncomfortable situation, explaining: "Because also it meant that I had to lie to people, to friends and family, because they were all saying 'is it happening?' And the reality is that until you have your cast booked, budget worked out, all of those things, you cannot say categorically that it is going to happen."

Post-leak, there's been chatter about an intense bidding clash between the BBC and Netflix for the special episode. A source claimed to The Sun: "The provisional Netflix offer, coming as it does from a global conglomerate, dwarfs anything that the Beeb could offer - but Ruth and James aren't about the money.

"They simply want to offer fans the best viewing experience possible, and, essentially, get as many bums on seats to watch their baby."

The source also hinted at a potential victory for Netflix, stating: "It would be a huge coup for Netflix to steal this flagship British comedy from the nose of the BBC and, indeed, there may be a world in which this happens."

The television personality dismissed rumours of a US streaming giant's interest in the Christmas special as mere speculation during her conversation on RTE Radio 1.

She confidently stated: "All I can say is, if there was something to say on that front, James and I would happily announce it, we would."

She expressed scepticism about reports of a bidding war between the BBC and Netflix, asking: "Apparently there's a bidding war going on between the BBC and Netflix and I love it because it says, 'a source says', who is this source?"

After numerous rumours, James and Ruth finally confirmed that the show will return for a final time this festive season.

The former Late Late Show host shared the exciting news on Instagram, posting a photo with his co-writer showcasing the script titled 'Gavin and Stacey: The Finale'.

His caption joyfully announced: "It's official! We have finished writing the last ever episode of 'Gavin and Stacey'.

"See you on Christmas Day, BBC One. Love Ruth and James (sic)."