fans were left fuming just minutes into the special when they realised Smithy, played by James Corden, wasn't marrying Ness (Ruth Jones) following her surprise proposal at the end of the 2019 festive offering.

Instead he was due to wed his girlfriend Sonia (Laura Aikman) who was introduced in that special. The episode was dedicated to the build up to their big day.

It transpired that not only had he not given Nessa an answer when she proposed but he had also asked Sonia to marry him the very next day meaning they are together five years at this stage.

Fans were devastated with this outcome on the sitcom after hoping Nessa and Smithy would end up together and took to X to vent about it.

"Sonia is a good and valid reason to cancel the tv license! #GavinAndStacey #tvlicense #bbc," one ranted. "HE PROPOSED TO SONIA THE NEXT DAY?! #GavinAndStacey," another exclaimed.

Another chimed in: "I don't dislike Sonia, I just don't think she's a good fit with Smithy. #GavinAndStacey."

A fourth opined: "I don't even care if Nessa and Smithy get together or not so long as he doesn't get married to Sonia #GavinAndStacey."

"What I want to know is how the hell has Smithy lasted 5 years with Sonia in the first place, she's a nightmare and they aren't suited at all #GavinAndStacey #gavinandstaceythefinale," a fifth queried.

Meanwhile a sixth viewer stated: "Sonia retaining her status as the most hated woman in the uk then #GavinAndStacey."

The cast and crew had managed to keep Sonia's return quiet and there was no indication she would be back, which made her forthcoming nuptials to Smithy all the more surprising.

Alongside Sonia all the familiar faces were back for the episode which creators Ruth and James have definitely said is the last ever episode of the popular BBC sitcom.

Speaking on Good Morning Britain , stated emphatically: "It's definitely the last time you'll ever see them [the characters], no question."

Meanwhile Ruth hinted at potential emotional turmoil ahead, saying: "When you see this episode, you'll go, 'There's nowhere to go after this'"