Finale script signed by stars goes up for auction

Imagine getting your hands on a Gavin & Stacey script, signed by the cast and the director.

One lucky raffle winner will do just that after Robert Wilfort, who plays Jason in the show, donated his script to a theatre company in Chesham and Amersham, in Buckinghamshire.

The Christmas Day episode of Gavin & Stacey has become one of the most watched scripted TV shows of the century.

The charity has already raised £31,285 after inviting fans of the Barry and Billericay-based BBC sitcom to give a £5 donation for a raffle ticket, and entries close on 13 January.

According to official ratings figures, after seven days of catch-up viewing the finale had been seen by 19.11m people.

The script was donated to Theatre Shed, an inclusive theatre company which provides workshops to help people of all ages and backgrounds get into acting and develop their talents.

Wilfort said lots of the show cast and staff were getting things signed for charities and he thought the signed script would “really capture people’s imagination”.

“I decided to give it to Theatre Shed, because they are a charity I’ve had a long association with, based locally near me, and they’re just the most amazing charity.

“I’ve always been a big admirer of their work, and think they do a fantastic job.”

Wilfort said raising more than £31,000 had “surpassed everyone’s expectations” and “overwhelmed all of us that were part of it”.

“It just goes to show how popular the show has been,” he said.

The final episode of Gavin and Stacey saw Smithy and Nessa finally get married.

Wilfort described the Christmas Day episode as “a really great finish to the story”.

“We all knew the script was brilliant, but you never can tell until the whole thing comes together what the reaction is going to be.

“But it seems both press and public have just completely loved it, and it’s so satisfying for all of us,” he said. “I just feel so, so lucky to be part of something that brings joy to people.”

“It feels a bit like coming back to the real world now,” Wilfort added.