Gavin and Stacey star Mathew Horne says the final ever episode is the 'perfect ending' to the series as he admits feeling 'emotionally charged' while filming last scenes

Gavin and Stacey star Mathew Horne has told how the final ever episode of the series is the 'perfect ending' to the long-running show.

The supposed 'last ever' installment of the beloved comedy will air in a 90-minute special on Christmas Day, after fans of the show begged for an end to the story following the cliffhanger 2019 special.

And in a new interview with FAULT Magazine, the actor, 46 - who plays the titular Gavin - spilled the beans on what fans can expect during the highly-anticipated festive special. 

He shared: 'They can expect the perfect ending to a very long tale of love, friendship, and family. I’m really proud of it. I didn’t write it, but the quality of the script speaks for itself. It’s the perfect ending on paper, and I think audiences will feel the same when they see it.'

After 17 years of playing Essex lad Gavin, Mathew is set to finally say goodbye to the character, who appears alongside Stacey (Joanna Page), Smithy (James Corden) and Nessa (Ruth Jones). 

On whether it was 'emotional' closing the chapter on the show after all these years, Mathew told that while he held it together, he felt 'emotionally charged' filming the scenes, having worked with co-stars and crew members for all these years.

He said: 'I wouldn’t say it was hard, but it was emotionally charged. After 17 years, it’s impossible not to feel a sense of significance.

'Working with people I’ve known since the beginning made it bittersweet. Many of the crew members were there in 2007 for Series 1. There’s a deep sense of family, on and off screen. That emotional weight made it all the more meaningful.'

While Mathew has gone on to great career spanning theatre, TV and film, he acknowledges that his role of Gavin has 'defined my career and life so far', noting that he's never felt that the role is 'limiting'. 

The star added that playing the role for so long is 'something to celebrate', adding that he's 'extremely grateful' to be part of something that has so much 'meaning' for people. 

Meanwhile, despite having his own success, Mathew went on to admit having 'imposter syndrome' when it came to working alongside some great female actresses who he 'idolises' including Alison Steadman, Imelda Staunton, Catherine Tate.

Most recently he's been left in awe at Hollywood star Sigourney Weaver, whom he stars alongside in Jamie Lloyd’s production of Shakespeare’s The Tempest.

Detailing his imposter syndrome, Mathew recalled constantly asking himself 'Do I deserve to be here?', with the star noting that though 'surreal', overtime he's learnt to 'trust' that he's 'here for a reason'. 

His words comes as he recently reunited with his co-stars at the Gavin And Stacey: The Finale screening at the Ham Yard Hotel.

Mathew was joined by his onscreen wife Joanna Page and co-stars Larry Lamb, Alison Steadman, Steffan Rhodri and Robert Wilfort, as well as show creators James Corden and Ruth Jones.   

Mathew and James, 46, who also plays Gavin's best pal Smithy, shared a sweet encounter at the screening - putting their feud rumours well and truly to bed.

The actors proved they have no shared enmity as they wrapped their arms around one another, after Mathew hit back at claims they had had a 'bitter fallout'.

The pair were once inseparable and would frequently be spotted together, before James went on to find fame in America.

Speculation arose that the duo had fallen out after Gavin & Stacey finished airing in 2009 and James left to front his very own successful Late Late Show chat show across the pond.

However, Mathew has since rubbished the claims and expressed his frustration about having to repeatedly deny them, while also coming to the defence of James.

Speaking to The Times at the weekend, he said: 'This notion of us falling out in 2009 — it wasn't true, but I couldn't really do anything about it. 

'Because James then went off to the States, that was the narrative and however much I said that we didn't fall out, no amount of protesting would have convinced people that it didn't happen.'

He continued: 'It was a hectic time and I really don't want any more hecticness and chaos in my life. I just want to be grateful and enjoy the things that I'm so fortunate to have. 

'Which is a really interesting, fun career and a beautiful family. Honestly, I'm sick of talking about 15 years of this, it sapped my energy at the time and it's not important.'

Defending James from trolls who target him for his success, Mathew added: 'The root of all of the flak that he takes — and it's beyond flak — is jealousy. He is a phenomenally gifted actor and writer, and a brilliant working-class success story.

'So yeah, I am protective of him. But I think I've been silenced in discussing him because of this narrative that's been imposed.'