Gavin and Stacey fans in tears as they spot touching tribute to late character in finale episode

GAVIN and Stacey fans were left feeling emotional after the show's finale episode paid tribute to a late character.

The highly anticipated Christmas Day special brought back many fan favourite from the past.

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Notably absent was Doris (Margaret John), the blunt and profane elderly neighbour to Gwen (Melanie Walters).

Gwen mentioned Doris during the finale, recalling how the pensioner used to "hire [strippers] on Sunday mornings, just for herself."

Viewers were thrilled by the reference and soon took to social media to share their enthusiasm.

One person remarked on X: "The most perfect ending to my favourite ever tv series!

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"Not a stone left unturned- from the mention of Doris, to all the little nods to things that featured in the series’.

"Exceptional writing from Ruth & James.

"[Sad] it's finished but we got the ending we all wanted."

Another added: "Doris would have sorted her out no problem!"

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While a third shared: "Was so lovely seeing characters from past episodes return for the finale and the reference from past episodes.

"There was one character missing and she will always be remembered! Doris!

"Absolute legend of the series!"

Meanwhile, Doris wasn't the only familiar face who was absent from the BBC special.

Barry's dodgy salesman Dick Powell (Gwynfor Roberts) also did not appear - although this was very nearly not the case.

Dick, the only island resident who speaks only Welsh, appeared in two episodes.

However, he was mentioned many times during the show's original run.

Speaking at a press event, co-writer Ruth Jones said: "I think in the original script we had Dick Powell.

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Gavin and Stacey: The Finale is available to watch on BBC iPlayer.

Gavin and Stacey's Best Moments

With the news that the show is set to make an exciting return to screens, let's take a look at some of the comedy programme's biggest and best moments...

• Smithy and Rudi's American Boy rap - No one will ever forget when James Corden and Sheridan Smith rapped perfectly word for word the Kanye West and Estelle hit American Boy as they walked across the car park on the phone to Gavin.
• Pam's Vegetarian faux pas - Despite loving a cheesburger, Pam found herself caught up in a web of unexpected lies when she claimed to be Vegetarian. She is forced to keep up the secret throughout the entire show and uses hubby Mick to help her scoff meat. She is later rumbled when Stacey catches her in the act as she scoffs ham in the kitchen. Stacey says to her: “Is that ham, Pam!?… “I’ve seen you, Pam. A scotch egg here, a bit of bacon there, putting those regular sausages into the Linda McCartney box”.
• THAT fishing trip - It remains one of the biggest mysteries in Gavin and Stacey history as to just exactly what did happen on the ill-fated fishing trip. Bryn appears to be hiding a secret as to an occurance between him and his nephew Jason which has left relations fractures. Ness' on-off boyfriend, Dave, is the only other person to know the whole truth. Bryn did appear to allude to him and Jason lying together naked to keep warm as he said to Dave: “We’re going to have this out, once and for all, man to man, you may know what happened, David, but you don’t know why it happened! It was freezing cold, it was! And when you are that cold…”
• Islands in the Stream - No one can ever forget the classic Karaoke performance of Islands in the Stream. Nessa and Bryn performed the track in front of all their nearest and dearest. It saw the whole pub burst into some line-dancing as they enjoyed a boozy night out.
• The Xmas special proposal - In 2019, fans were left overjoyed when the show made a comeback but it ended on the ultimate cliffhanger. Nessa asked Smithy if she would marry him as she finally laid bare her feelings for him. Fans were gutted as the show then cut straight to the credits as they never found out just how Smithy answered. Will all be revealed in the brand new episode?