Gavin & Stacey

Gavin & Stacey's journey from cult viewing to national treasure (seven million watched their Christmas Eve special last year) has been the stuff of fairy tales. When so few sitcoms cross over to be national hits, it's the kind of success that should lead to a string of series and bonanza DVD sales for years to come. Instead, writers James Corden and Ruth Jones are putting their gift horse out to pasture, so enjoy this third series (assuming they don't relent - we can cross fingers for more Christmas specials) while it lasts. It starts well, with Gavlah getting a culture shock at his new job in Barry (look out for his misunderstanding of "seven-a-side") and Stace hooked on Psychologies magazine. They're gearing up, along with everyone else, for the Christening of Smithy and Nessa's baby, the unfortunately named Neil Noel Edmond Smith. It's the kind of eccentric set-piece occasion the series pulls off a treat. The high point involves Bryn launching into inappropriate song from the altar, backed by Doris from next door on drums. It's a priceless moment, beautifully performed, as ever, by Rob Brydon as Bryn.

We like James Corden a lot more when he's putting his talents to this Bafta-winning series rather than letting his ego run riot on other formats. It's the christening of Nessa and Smithy's baby that warrants the bringing together of the Essex and Welsh families in this first episode of the final series. Of second concern is jobs: Nessa's got two, Smithy and Stacey don't have any and Gavin's got a new one at which he's thoroughly embarrassed after family and friends bombard him with impromptu visits, phone calls, packed lunches and other well-wishing surprises.

Gavin & Stacey - a tidy catch up

The third and final series returns to find the titular characters living in Barry and Nessa deciding whether to marry Dave Coaches or not.

Horne urges fans to enjoy 'Gavin & Stacey 3'

Mat Horne has encouraged fans to enjoy the final series of Stacey & Stacey instead of worrying about it coming to an end.

Follow Gavin and Stacey: reasons to move to South Wales

The young couple start a new life in Barry in the third series of the BBC comedy. Here are the reasons why you should too.

The Sun interviews James Corden and Ruth Jones

But both believe the third series - which starts on Thursday at 9pm on BBC1 - is the best.

Cardiff confidential: Saying farewell to Gavin & Stacey

Just 24 months ago, the first series of Gavin & Stacey had finished airing on BBC3, attracting a respectable but hardly earth-shattering half a million viewers and a few approving reviews. Two years on, and Gavin & Stacey has won two Baftas and countless British Comedy Awards.

Ten things you didn't know about Gavin & Stacey

The third - and final - series of Gavin & Stacey is about to return, with the nation eager to learn the fates of the Essex boy and his Welsh bride, and their tubby best friends Smithy and Nessa.

Joanna Page: 'They said I was rubbish'

She made it through ten years of bit parts to play Stacey in the hit comedy, but the actress says that she is ready to be a housewife.

Gavin and Stacey sneak peek

Can Nessa and Smithy settle their differences for baby Neil?