People love to hate James Corden, but he’s the heart of Gavin and Stacey-Emily Bashforth-Entertainment – Metro

James Corden’s Smithy is the heart of the show (Picture: BBC Picture Archives)

‘James Corden needs to be thrown into a compost pile.’

Not my words, but those of someone whom I can only assume is a James Corden hater, reacting to the news that iconic sitcom Gavin and Stacey will be returning for a 2024 Christmas special. 

Others responded with equal amounts of vitriol, declaring that ‘the world does not need more James Corden’ and branding him with various expletives. 

I’m a long-time Gavin and Stacey lover and James Corden’s Smithy is the heart of the show. 

That’s why, despite the naysayers, the criticism, and the online fury, I know any revival must have him at its core. 

The show has provided me with endless belly laughs since I was a child – from Smithy and Gavalar’s Band Aid duet to Mick’s brief appearance on the news after finding a dead body, and I have been desperately awaiting news of a revival since 2019’s Christmas Day episode. 

Not only for his starring role but for his writing. 

When I rewatch Gavin & Stacey for the umpteenth time, I am transported back to my own childhood (Picture: Baby Cow)

I quote the show on the daily, whether it’s Pam’s ‘Oh my Christ!’ or Nessa’s ‘Tidy’, but one thing’s for certain, irrespective of its incredible ensemble, Gavin and Stacey would not have become the comedy giant we know it as today without James Corden. 

It’s no secret Corden has become a polarising figure in recent years, to put it mildly. 

Ricky Gervais has taken swipes at him, Mel B hailed him as the ‘biggest d***head celebrity’, and one director even described him as ‘obnoxious.’ 

Whether it’s due to the oversaturation of him in the industry as he appears in everything from Cats to The Late Late Show, or allegations of curt behaviour towards waiters over an awkward omelette order – we all have an opinion. 

But I can’t get on board with the hate or the calls to somehow cut Corden out of his own show.

I’m not condoning alleged impolite behaviour towards restaurant staff, nor is it my place to place blame in Hollywood ‘feuds’ without all the facts present.

However, I refuse to let sensationalist headlines and idle gossip – not to mention social media trolls – tarnish the reunion of a show I love. 

Smithy makes Gavin and Stacey for me. He could not be portrayed by any other actor. 

His sarcasm and innuendos are delivered with superb comedy timing by James, while his interactions with co-stars make for perfect cosy viewing. 

It’s evident that James crafted Smithy with love, affection, and plenty of his own personality. 

When I look at Smithy, yes, I see our favourite chaotic builder and decorator who, actually, has probably only tiled one bathroom in his life and insists on wrapping his Christmas presents in tin foil. 

But I also see a young actor and writer finding his feet in a topsy-turvy industry. 

It’s no secret Corden has become a polarising figure in recent years (Picture: Terence Patrick/CBS via Getty Images)

Smithy, for me, represents the very best of James Corden and who I believe the now globally famous star to be deep down. He’s goofy and, granted, doesn’t always make the wisest choices. 

But everything he does is with good intentions and the purest heart. 

He’s ride or die for his friends, you know he’s got your back, and unashamedly wears his heart on his sleeve. 

Admittedly, I was dubious when Gavin and Stacey returned five years ago for a one-off special. 

With years of success on American TV under his belt and a celebrity status far grander than that of his co-stars, I worried Corden would now view the BBC show as beneath him. I was wary his newfound A-list stature would spoil the character I adored. 

I was so wrong. 

Not only did Corden slot back into Smithy’s trainers and baggy jeans, he did so with ease, cementing in my mind both his love for his own creation, as well as his appreciation for his roots. 

I see a young actor and writer finding his feet in a topsy-turvy industry (Picture: BBC Picture Archives)

I guess one of the reasons why I feel such a connection to James and to Smithy is because I see so much of my dad in him. 

My dad doesn’t see it, not one bit, but I will die on the hill that he is James Corden in another body. 

Dad’s mannerisms and expressions mirror Corden’s inextricably, and he’s got that endearing Care Bear-esque demeanour that means, even when his jokes are excruciating, you can’t help but crack a smile. 

So, when I rewatch Gavin and Stacey for the umpteenth time, I am transported back to my own childhood. 

I am connected to this show because of its comedic storytelling, but also because I, like many of you, I’m sure, can assign every character to one of my relatives. 

Bryn behaves exactly like my grandad. Gwen is my granny. Dave Coaches my uncle. 

I am connected to this show because of its comedic storytelling (Picture: BBC/GS TV Productions Ltd/Tom Jackson)

Gavin and Stacey has woven itself into the fabrics of my own life over the years and I can only thank James Corden – and Ruth Jones, it goes without saying – for bringing it to our screens. 

Is it perfect? No. Have some of the gags aged badly? Most definitely. Nicknames like Chinese Alan and Big Fat Sue spring to mind, as does Dawn and Pete’s three-way relationship storyline.

And is James Corden an irritant at times? Sure, but aren’t we all? 

For the sake of nostalgia, I urge Gavin and Stacey fans to put their aversion to James Corden to one side for this year’s Christmas special. 

You don’t have to idolise him, but don’t let that ruin your love of a character who has solidified himself as a true comedy icon. 

Let’s just enjoy one last robot with Smithy together.

Do you have a story you’d like to share? Get in touch by emailing jess.austin@metro.co.uk. 

Share your views in the comments below.

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