Radio Times

• Episode 1/6

  After months of flirtatious chatting on the office phone, Gavin finally plucks up the courage to ask Stacey out. As Stacey lives in South Wales and Gavin's from Billericay, Essex, they decide to meet on neutral territory in London. Coming along as backup are Stacey's chain-smoking best friend Nessa and Gavin's cynical mate Smithy. Unsurprisingly the date turns into a boozy affair, but it's when the couples retire to the hotel room that passion ignites in the most unexpected of places.

  RT Choice (Jack Seale, 13 May 2007)

  Here's a rare thing: a comedy aimed at 20- to 30-year-olds that isn't inept, insulting and out of touch.

  The starry supporting cast (Alison Steadman, Rob Brydon, Ruth Jones, James Corden) provide the vulgar belly laughs, all as larger-than-life loons who never tip over into caricature, thanks to Jones and Corden's earthy, affectionate script. Meanwhile, the fantasy romance is gentle and fluffy without being cheesy. This'll be a hit.

• Episode 2/6

  When Gavin and Stacey have their first telephone tiff, Gavin is desperate to undo the damage and heads to Barry Island to patch things up. The gesture proves a turning point, and unable to bear further separation, Gavin decides to bring Stacey back home to Billericay. The news is far too exciting for Pam, who starts frantically cleaning the house. But Pam's expectations rapidly turn to anxiety when Stacey appears at breakfast wearing sunglasses.

  RT Choice (Jack Seale, 28 August 2007)

  If the series opener was a touch too crude for you, persevere. Now our lovebirds have met and copulated, it's time for them to encounter each other's families - which is where this show excels[…]
  
  This is a warm, earthy work, full of minor tragic moments, but with considerable comic edge: for rookie writers, Ruth Jones and James Corden - who also co-star - are astoundingly assured.

• Episode 3/6

  The time has come to announce their engagement, but Gavin and Stacey are more than a little perturbed by the reactions of their friends and family to the good news. Although Pam and Mick are delighted, Gwen and Bryn immediately voice their concerns. Meanwhile, Smithy stops speaking to Gavin. So to bring the two families together, the Shipmans organise a celebratory knees-up at their place.

  RT Choice (Jack Seale, 20 May 2007)

  Ruth Jones and James Corden's superb new comedy keeps it nice and simple in its third episode. Complex plots aren't required when your script and cast are this good. Rob Brydon owns this episode as Stacey's lovably inept Uncle Bryn, but Alison Steadman runs him close as Gavin's mum.

  For rookie writers, Jones and Corden are astonishingly assured. This is a delightfully warm, humble work full of minor magic moments.

• Episode 4/6

  There are only six weeks to go until the big day and Gavin has an important question for Smithy. With everyone affected by pre-nuptial nerves, the Shipman family pay a visit to the home town of their in-laws-to-be for a wedding fair. The event surpasses all their expectations, particularly Smithy's, who is completely in awe of stag do organiser Jammy. Meanwhile, Bryn debates whether to hire a magician for the reception.

  RT Choice (Jack Seale, 27 May 2007)

  The best episode yet of this charming but fruity comedy: I could spend hours with these characters.

• Episode 5/6

  Uncle Bryn is far from delighted when Stacey's brother Jason returns home for the wedding well ahead of schedule. Meanwhile, with the nuptials drawing closer, the preliminary celebrations get started. But while Stacey prepares herself for the usual mayhem of hen night, Gavin has two stag nights to endure, the second of which reveals something about Stacey that could jeopardise the whole wedding.

  RT Choice (Jack Seale, 3 June 2007)

  This superb comedy takes its first wrong turn as the stag/hen nights arrive. We do meet Chinese Alan, and Uncle Bryn (Rob Brydon) is on top form, but then there's a boring, serious dramatic denouement. No! Keep the laughs coming! We don't need any other reason to tune in.

• Episode 6/6

  The big day's finally arrived and the Shipmans and the Wests are beside themselves with excitement and pride. Smithy attempts to deliver the greatest best man's speech ever, but it doesn't quite go according to plan, while Pamela and Mick perform some unique karaoke. Uncle Bryn is still acting strangely around Stacey's brother Jason - what really happened on that fishing trip? And will Nessa reveal her even bigger secret?

  RT Choice (Jack Seale, 10 June 2007)

  This glorious series gets a perfectly pitched finale, as the wedding arrives. The tender dramatic moments are unashamedly sentimental and deftly handled - reminiscent of The Royle Family at its best, even - but the ceremony's peppered with raucous, acutely observed comic moments.

  Every member of the excellent cast gets at least one terrific line; seeing everyone in one room brings home how many well-drawn characters Ruth Jones and James Corden have created, almost without us noticing. Truth be told, this is up there with Peep Show for comedy of the year.

Go to Series two