The much-anticipated Christmas Day special of the beloved BBC sitcom Gavin & Stacey captivated over 12 million viewers with its dramatic twists and heartfelt moments.
Fans were thrilled to see Smithy, played by James Corden, leave his bride-to-be Sonia (Laura Aikman) at the altar for a last-minute proposal to Nessa (Ruth Jones).
However, eagle-eyed viewers from Southampton were quick to spot something amiss about the episode’s setting.
Southampton or Not? Fans Call Out Filming Blunder
The special’s climax involved Smithy racing from Essex to the Port of Southampton to stop Nessa from leaving the country for a new job.
However, Southampton locals pointed out that the port featured in the episode bore little resemblance to the real thing.
Social media buzzed with comments highlighting the error, with fans discovering that the scenes were actually filmed over 100 miles away at Newport Docks in Wales.
One fan humorously wrote, “Where on Earth is this? [crying laughing emoji] This is NOT Southampton!” Another added, “The way they tried to pass Barry as Southampton made me laugh.
Ain’t no part of Southampton looking like that.”
This isn’t the first time the series has doubled Welsh locations for English settings.
Larry Lamb, who plays Mick Shipman, once revealed that the original series was entirely filmed in Wales due to logistical constraints.
Laura Aikman’s Shocking Return as Sonia
Adding to the buzz, Laura Aikman’s surprise return as Smithy’s jilted fiancée Sonia left fans in awe. Even Aikman’s parents had no idea she was part of the finale, as her involvement was kept under wraps with strict NDAs.
The actress was housed in a separate hotel during filming to maintain secrecy.
Viewers who grew up in the early 2000s also recognized Aikman from her iconic role as Mysti in The Mysti Show.
In the series, she played a half-human, half-fairy character in a blend of entertainment and comedy.
Aikman’s career spans several popular shows, including Casualty, The Bill, and Waterloo Road, where she showcased her versatility across genres.