The BBC is reportedly determined to fight off any challenge from Netflix for the broadcast rights to the rumoured new Gavin & Stacey special.

The much-loved comedy is said to be returning for a new episode this Christmas, five years on from the last special, which was seen by around 18.5 million people.

The BBC has been home to the show for its entire run since it began in 2007 and is the natural destination for any further episodes, but a report last week suggested that Netflix could make a big-money move for the rights.

A source told The Sun that the BBC will do its best to keep hold of the show, however, explaining: "The Beeb wants this to be their gift to the nation on Christmas Day.

"But because they're funded by licence fee payers, they know they can't compete with an international streaming giant when it comes to offering a huge six-figure deal.

"They're hoping offering the prime festive spot and the promise of another huge audience will be enough.

"Netflix may have the money, but they don't have viewers in virtually every living room."

Show creators and stars Ruth Jones and James Corden have yet to comment on whether the rumours of a new episode are true.