Gavin and Stacey fans have long wondered about the mysterious fishing trip between Uncle Bryn (Rob Brydon) and his nephew Jason (Robert Wilfort). This question has intrigued viewers since the show’s first season, with no clear answer being given. Despite being referenced in the 2019 Christmas special, the mystery remains unsolved, leading fans to develop their theories.
The fishing trip was first introduced in the show’s early seasons, with only cryptic clues about what transpired. Bryn and Jason mention that they were “very cold” and that whatever occurred was “legal in Wales.” They also hint that something involving “soup” took place. These details have left the story open to interpretation, fueling various fan theories about the trip’s true nature.
One common theory suggests that the trip may have been highly embarrassing for both Bryn and Jason, which is why they are so reluctant to discuss it. Some fans speculate that it could have been sexual, with the two men engaging in an intimate act to stay warm during the cold conditions. However, this theory is contradicted by the fact that Bryn specifically mentions that what happened was “legal in Wales,” implying that the event was not inappropriate or illegal.
Another fan theory proposes that the incident occurred after Jason fell into the river, prompting Bryn to jump in and rescue him. In this version, the two men, drenched and cold, decided to strip off their wet clothes to warm up. Feeling awkward about the situation, they may have cuddled for warmth, leading to feelings of guilt when they realized their closeness could be perceived as inappropriate due to their familial relationship.
Another theory involves the pair checking into a hotel after their fishing trip turned too cold for camping. At the hotel, the owner prepared leek and potato soup for them to enjoy in their room. While Jason was in the bathroom, Bryn turned on an adult program on the TV. As he lay on the bed, trying to stay warm with the soup in his stomach, Jason unexpectedly walked in, causing Bryn to jump and spill the soup. With the adult program still on, this moment created an awkward situation, adding to the tension between the two.
Throughout the series, Bryn often comes close to revealing what happened on the fishing trip, but something always interrupts him. In the 2019 Christmas special, just as Bryn is about to confess, the children’s arrival prevents him from telling the full story. Fans have been waiting for the mystery to be solved, but it seems the answer may never come.
The mystery was originally meant to be resolved in an episode during the second series of Gavin and Stacey. Ruth Jones and James Corden, the show’s creators, initially planned to address the trip but ultimately decided against it. Lisa Edwards, who owned the house used for Bryn’s home in the show, revealed that a script for an episode, which was never aired, contained the answers. However, the episode did not provide the long-awaited explanation either, leaving fans in suspense.
The fishing trip mystery was first introduced at Gavin and Stacey’s wedding reception, where Jason and Bryn share a brief, cryptic conversation. Jason attempts to downplay the event, saying, “It wasn’t a big deal,” but the secrecy surrounding it only adds to the intrigue. Fans have been eagerly waiting for any clues, but so far, the answer remains elusive.
The mystery continues to delight audiences, with Uncle Bryn and Jason set to return in the upcoming Christmas special. This special will air on BBC One and BBC iPlayer, offering fans a long episode of 1 hour and 35 minutes. While It’s unclear if the fishing trip will be addressed, fans are hopeful that they might finally get the answers they’ve been waiting for.