Gavin and Stacey: Ruth Jones seen in Barry Island before filming

Barry Island is buzzing with anticipation as preparations are underway for the filming of the final episode of Gavin and Stacey.

The popular BBC comedy aired its last episode in 2019, but earlier this year creators James Corden and Ruth Jones announced that it will be back in December for a final Christmas special.

Fresh off their successful performances in London's theaters, the duo is now back in Wales. Signs of road closures suggest that filming will start in the upcoming week.

A volunteer from the community expressed her excitement about the show helping to raise awareness of Barry once again.

Last Sunday, Jones was seen enjoying a meal at Marco's cafe, which is located on the waterfront. This cafe is famous for being featured in the show as the place where Stacey, played by Joanna Page, worked. Additionally, it is located just a few steps away from the arcade where Jones' character Nessa worked.

Some of the people who took a photo with her included a team of volunteers from the 11th Barry Sea Scout Group, who had been out on a walk with their Beavers group.

"Our discussion revolved around scouting... Ruth was a member of the girls maritime training unit in Porthcawl during her youth," explained Nicola Thompson, the leader of the scout group.

She mentioned how it was great to have Barry recognized on the map and noted that Gavin and Stacey is a popular topic of conversation when chatting with other volunteers while camping.

On Friday, actor Rob Brydon from Wales, who portrays Uncle Bryn on the show, shared a photo with Ruth Jones on Instagram. In the caption, he wrote: "Something is happening...".

The show takes place in both Essex, where Gavin is from, and Wales. It first aired in 2007.

Throughout 21 episodes, audiences witnessed the highs and lows of their experiences, as well as those of their close pals Smithy and Nessa, portrayed by the show's creators Jones and Corden.

The show was mostly shot in and around Barry, a town in Vale of Glamorgan. Many of the scenes that take place in England were also filmed there. The series has received two Bafta TV awards in 2008 and a National Television Award in 2010.

The final Christmas episode in 2019 won both a National Television Award and the Must-See Moment Bafta in 2020. This award was voted for by the public and celebrated the memorable proposal moment between Nessa and Smithy. Fans have eagerly awaited his response ever since.