James Corden steps out for dinner as he is seen for the first time since announcing the return of Gavin & Stacey for a Christmas special

He announced earlier this week that Gavin & Stacey will return for a Christmas Special.

And James Corden was spotted for the first time since revealing the exciting news, as he headed out for dinner at Scott's restaurant in Mayfair in London

The Late Late Show host kept things simple in a navy blazer with red and green trimming as he strolled into the exclusive eatery with a friend.

Surprise: James Corden was spotted for the first time since revealing the exciting news, as he headed out for dinner at Scott's restaurant in Mayfair in London

Surprise: James Corden was spotted for the first time since revealing the exciting news, as he headed out for dinner at Scott's restaurant in Mayfair in London

The 40-year-old actor opted for a navy cardigan which he paired with dark chinos and trainers.

James, who plays Smithy in Gavin & Stacey, sported stubble and cracked a smile while heading into the restaurant. 

It comes as the star, who created the sitcom alongside Ruth Jones, made the announcement that the show will return to television screens nine years after it concluded on BBC One. 

After years of requests from fans, the beloved sitcom, which starred Mathew Horne and Joanna Page, will return later this year for a Christmas Special and viewers will once again get to hear Nessa's famous catchphrase: 'What's occuring?'  

Outing: The Late Late Show host kept things simple in a navy blazer with red and green trimming as he strolled into the exclusive eatery with a friend

Outing: The Late Late Show host kept things simple in a navy blazer with red and green trimming as he strolled into the exclusive eatery with a friend

Suave: The 40-year-old actor opted for a navy cardigan which he paired with dark chinos and trainers
Suave: The 40-year-old actor opted for a navy cardigan which he paired with dark chinos and trainers

Suave: The 40-year-old actor opted for a navy cardigan which he paired with dark chinos and trainers

James made the announcement in a Twitter statement on Tuesday, sharing a picture of the new script. 

He said: 'Ruth Jones and I have been keeping this secret for a while... We’re excited to share it with you. See you on Christmas Day ⁦@BBCOne⁩ #GavinandStacey.'  

While in a joint statement, co-creators Ruth and James said: 'Over the last 10 years we've talked a lot about Gavin and Stacey - where they might be today and what their lives might look like.

Casual: James, who plays Smithy in Gavin & Stacey, sported stubble and cracked a smile while heading into the restaurant

Casual: James, who plays Smithy in Gavin & Stacey, sported stubble and cracked a smile while heading into the restaurant

All navy: The star looked casual in the navy ensemble, while his friend sported a similar look

All navy: The star looked casual in the navy ensemble, while his friend sported a similar look

'And so in secret we took the plunge and wrote this one-hour special. We've loved revisiting Barry and Essex again and bringing the characters back together has been a joy.

'We're so excited to get the chance to work with our fabulous cast and crew once more and to give fans of the show a festive treat this Christmas. Thank you BBC for helping to make this happen.' 

Actress Joanna Page, who plays lead character Stacey, tweeted: 'It’s happening!!! I’m so excited! Can’t wait to get on the slots down Barry again!! #gavinandstacey #christmasspecial #barryisland.' 

Dinner time: It was the first time the actor has been seen out and about since revealing exciting news to fans

Dinner time: It was the first time the actor has been seen out and about since revealing exciting news to fans

Dapper: James looked suave as he strolled into the exclusive eatery in London's Mayfair area

Dapper: James looked suave as he strolled into the exclusive eatery in London's Mayfair area

Reunited: After years of requests from fans, the beloved sitcom, which starred Mathew Horne and Joanna Page, will return later this year for a Christmas Special (pictured in a 2007 show still)

Reunited: After years of requests from fans, the beloved sitcom, which starred Mathew Horne and Joanna Page, will return later this year for a Christmas Special (pictured in a 2007 show still) 

A Christmas miracle: James Corden , who created the sitcom alongside Ruth Jones, made the announcement in a Twitter statement on Tuesday, sharing a picture of the new script

A Christmas miracle: James Corden , who created the sitcom alongside Ruth Jones, made the announcement in a Twitter statement on Tuesday, sharing a picture of the new script

Actor Larry Lamb, who plays Gavin's father Mick Shipman, also took to Twitter to share his excitement, he said: 'So it’s official...G&S rides again .. we’re doing a 2019 Christmas special ....a treat for the millions of you who’ve waited so patiently... love to you all ..and Happy Christmas!!!! X.'

He also shared James' tweet, adding: 'Absolutely delighted to be able to share this little secret at last !! X.

'...and try not being able to let this little secret out of the bag since smiffie called from LA about two months ago ... I’m going to get a lot of grief from some very dear friends !!! But anyway.....' 

Leading lady: Actress Joanna Page, who plays lead character Stacey, tweeted: 'It’s happening!!! I’m so excited! Can’t wait to get on the slots down Barry again!!'

Leading lady: Actress Joanna Page, who plays lead character Stacey, tweeted: 'It’s happening!!! I’m so excited! Can’t wait to get on the slots down Barry again!!'

Sharing his thoughts: Actor Larry Lamb, who plays Gavin's father Mick Shipman (pictured in character, right), also took to Twitter to share his excitement

Sharing his thoughts: Actor Larry Lamb, who plays Gavin's father Mick Shipman (pictured in character, right), also took to Twitter to share his excitement

While Rob Brydon, who plays Stacey's uncle Bryn, also shared James' tweet as he added: 'SURPRISE!!! SURPRISE!!! SURPRISE!!! SURPRISE!!! SURPRISE!!! SURPRISE!!! SURPRISE!!!!!!!!' 

Fans also took to Twitter to share their joy over the return, with one person tweeting: '#GavinandStacey There back Christmas Day special,I don’t need any presents Santa, I’ve got mine thanks.'

A different person pointed out that Stacey was pregnant in the last series, they added: 'OMG, you know house Stacey was pregnant in series 3, HAVE GAVIN AND STACEY NOW GOT A KID?!?!?! #gavinandstacey.'

Sweet: He also shared James' tweet, adding: 'Absolutely delighted to be able to share this little secret at last !! X.'

Sweet: He also shared James' tweet, adding: 'Absolutely delighted to be able to share this little secret at last !! X.' 

Another show watcher joked about Uncle Bryn's mystery fishing trip and whether fans would finally find out what happened, they said: 'We might finally find out what happened on that fishing trip! #gavinandstacey.' 

A different fan put: 'Only news of a #gavinandstacey reboot can cause "Christmas Day" to start trending in May.' 

While another show watcher added: 'Gavin and Stacey coming back may have been the earliest and best Christmas gift possible. Enough said! #gavinandstacey #christmas #JamesCorden @JKCorden.' 

Gavin & Stacey broadcast over three series (plus a Christmas special) from 2007 to 2010 on the BBC. 

The show's 2010 New Year's Day finale had record ratings for the series with 10.25M viewers. 

Uncle Bryn: While Rob Brydon, who plays Stacey's uncle Bryn, also shared James' tweet as he added: 'SURPRISE!!! SURPRISE!!! SURPRISE!!! SURPRISE!!! SURPRISE!!! SURPRISE!!! SURPRISE!!!!!!!!'

Uncle Bryn: While Rob Brydon, who plays Stacey's uncle Bryn, also shared James' tweet as he added: 'SURPRISE!!! SURPRISE!!! SURPRISE!!! SURPRISE!!! SURPRISE!!! SURPRISE!!! SURPRISE!!!!!!!!'

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James Corden steps out in London for the first time since announcing return of Gavin & Stacey

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