Gavin and Stacey 2 launches to great ratings

The new series of Gavin and Stacey launched on BBC Three last night with a very impressive 1.7 million viewers.

These ratings cements Ruth Jones and James Corden's comedy as one of BBC Three's biggest hits. In fact last night's Gavin and Stacey double-bill dropped into the long-term ratings chart as BBC Three's fifth and sixth-best rated shows since it launched five years ago. The only comedy on the channel to beat the sitcom is Little Britain, which attracted 1.9 million viewers in 2004.

The much-anticipated second series, which began with the newlywed couple returning from their honeymoon, attracted an average audience share of 7.3% between 9pm and 9.30pm last night. The second episode of the new series, which aired straight after the first, also did well, with 1.6 million viewers (a 7.4% share).

The ratings last night were a huge jump up from the first series. That averaged 500,000 viewers and a 2.7% share when it broadcast in May 2007. Since then though the comedy has attracted much positive press, including winning three times at the British Comedy Awards.

It is good news all round for the sitcom. This morning's major press reviews were also positive, here are two examples:

"James Corden and Ruth Jones came up with some crackers as they elaborated further on Nessa's extensive 'Past'. It turned out Nessa had driven the lorries for The Who's world tour. "Until I found out some things about Pete Townshend I didn't like. All I'll say - and I said it to his face - is where's the book?" This comedy is less mild than it looks and even funnier than I remembered." Andrew Billen, The Times

"At times, Nessa and Smithy did seem slightly exaggerated versions of their original selves, but not enough to do any real damage. Otherwise, there was the same winningly good-natured tone, and same clear-eyed tenderness for the characters. Above all, there was the same joyous preference for finding the comedy already present in ordinary life (ie from basically nice people doing their best) rather than inventing some wild sitcom version purely to get laughs." James Walton, The Telegraph

The new episodes are repeated tonight on BBC Three at 10:30pm. They are also currently available on the BBC iPlayer. Gavin and Stacey is currently nominated for the audience BAFTA award - to vote visit www.bestonthebox.com