Mathew Horne, beloved star of Gavin and Stacey, has categorically denied long-standing rumours of a falling out with James Corden, co-creator of the hit series. Speaking ahead of the much-anticipated Christmas finale, the actor, who plays Gavin Shipman, has addressed the persistent speculation, dismissing it as baseless and frustrating.
The 46-year-old has endured years of whispers suggesting a bitter feud erupted between him and Corden after the latter found fame across the Atlantic, fronting The Late Late Show in the United States. Yet, Horne insists no such rift ever occurred and has expressed dismay at how his efforts to quash the rumours have often been misinterpreted.
“It Simply Wasn’t True”
Reflecting on the claims, Horne told The Times:
“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 otherwise.”
The actor described their meteoric rise to fame as both exhilarating and chaotic but said he’s since embraced a calmer life. “It was a hectic time, and I really don’t want any more hecticness and chaos in my life,” he admitted. “I just want to be grateful and enjoy the things I’m so fortunate to have — a really interesting, fun career and a beautiful family.”
Horne added that revisiting questions about an alleged feud has been exhausting: “Honestly, I’m sick of talking about 15 years of this. It sapped my energy at the time, and it’s not important.”
Defending Corden from the Critics
Horne also took the opportunity to defend James Corden against online trolls, who he believes unfairly target his friend’s success. “The root of all the flak that he takes — and it’s beyond flak — is jealousy,” he said. “He is a phenomenally gifted actor and writer and a brilliant working-class success story. So yes, I am protective of him. But I think I’ve been silenced in discussing him because of this narrative that’s been imposed.”
A Final Curtain for Gavin and Stacey
Fans of the much-loved series are eagerly awaiting the last-ever episode, set to air this Christmas. Horne has teased that the finale is a triumph, praising the efforts of co-writers James Corden and Ruth Jones. “It’s always been their priority to get the script perfect, to tell the story the right way. My expectations were exceeded. It made me laugh, it made me cry, and upon completion, I thought it was nothing short of a masterpiece.”
Horne further revealed that upon reading the script, he immediately shared his praise with the cast’s WhatsApp group. “The nerves only started once I finished reading, in as much as I hoped we could do it justice in filming.”
The Christmas special promises to bring closure to the story of the Shipmans, Wests, and their friends, a journey that began in 2007 and has since captured the hearts of millions. Fans are bracing for an emotional send-off, with cast members hinting that the finale will be both heartwarming and poignant.
For viewers who’ve adored Gavin and Stacey over the years, it’s clear that whatever happens, the final chapter will cement the show’s place as one of Britain’s most treasured comedies.