James Corden is "sick with nerves" ahead of filming the 'Gavin and Stacey' Christmas special.

James Corden

James Corden

The 'Late Late Show' host revealed he and his writing partner and co-star Ruth Jones - who return as Smithy and Nessa Jenkins in the sitcom alongside Mathew Horne and Joanna Page in the title roles - are getting anxious ahead of their first run-through of the script next week.

According to The Sun Online, James told the audience at the filming of his London special of his hit US show on Thursday (20.06.19): "This is it now, we go on another break and I'm going to start this on Monday morning - this new 'Gavin and Stacey' Special.

"Or as me and Ruth Jones say, 'We start this new Gavin and [throwing up noise]', just out of nerves."

'Gavin and Stacey' will return to screens this festive period for the first time in nine years.

James and Ruth had been trading ideas for two years but only decided to go ahead with the one-off episode a few months ago when they found a story to tell, even though they had reservations about resurrecting the programme after nine years off screen.

James said recently: "We owed it to the characters. Let's see what they're doing.

"We wanted to see if there was something there, and for a while we weren't sure. Then, once there was, my feeling was, life's too short. Fear is the absolute reason to do it.

"This sounds ridiculously deep, but none of us are promised tomorrow. We're here for a minute, so you have to try to do it all. I'd rather regret something than not do it."

Though plot details of the special are being kept under wraps, the 40-year-old star promised it will be a "nostalgic joy-bomb".

Asked if there will be any discussion on Brexit during the episode, he replied: "We did talk about it. But we just want the new show to be a nostalgic joy-bomb."

The 'Ocean's Eight' actor admitted his friendship with Ruth is very important to him.

Explaining how they have recently talked about nothing but work, he added: "And then she sent a text. It said, 'James... I love you.' And I said, 'I love you too. You are the best friend I could ask for. You've anchored me in so many moments of my life. I've loved every second of this rebirth, even the stress.' And she put, 'OK, now I'm crying.' It's a lovely thing."

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