Gavin and Stacey star Larry Lamb announces acting retirement

The Herald Scotland

13-07-2025

Lamb, who is now 77, has had an extensive career that has spanned five decades.
He said that the character of Mick is the "closest to my heart", with the role being in the latest Christmas special likely being his last TV role.
Larry Lamb played Mick Shipman in Gavin and Stacey (Image: Ian West/PA Wire)
Gavin and Stacey star Larry Lamb retiring from acting
Speaking to The Mail, Lamb said he will be focusing on a new novel.
While suggesting he will be taking a step back from acting, he did say he may still take on small stage parts to "keep my face in".
He said: "I have had a very fortunate career. I've done so much that I am really proud of that maybe not so many people know.
'I have worked at the Royal Shakespeare Company, the National Theatre, I have been in 12 West End shows, I have done all the principal fringe theatres in London, on Broadway, I have been very lucky and now I am quite happy to let someone else play the big roles."
The iconic actor has been playing Mick Shipman on Gavin and Stacey since its inception in 2007.
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The BBC sitcom, created by Ruth Jones and James Corden, first aired in 2007 and tells the story of two families from Billericay in Essex and Barry in the Vale of Glamorgan, Wales.
Lamb played Mick in three series and three Christmas specials, being the father to the titular character Gavin.
He added: "You get so involved with these characters that they become your favourite at that time, they are the focus of your life, but to finish up in my 70s playing a character like Mick who is beloved by millions of people, you have to give the writers credit... at this stage in my career Mick is the closest to my heart."
Who is Larry Lamb?
Larry Lamb has had an extensive acting career over a large number of years, appearing in many TV series and theatrical shows.
In his early career, he was a regular in the BBC's North Sea ferry-based soap Triangle.
He also appeared in shows such as Lovejoy, A Touch of Frost, Taggart, Casualty, Midsomer Murders and The Bill.
Many will know him for his role as Mick Shipman in the BBC sitcom Gavin and Stacey, a role he played for more than a decade, including in the 2024 Christmas special.
In 2008, Lamb began playing Archie Mitchell, the father of Ronnie and Roxy Mitchell, in EastEnders.
He left in 2009, but returned later the same year, and was killed off that Christmas.
Despite several great roles, he will likely be remembered for playing Archie Mitchell and Mick Shipman.
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On being remembered for certain roles, he said: "If you have been through a life in entertainment and people don't all know you, to suddenly be where pretty much everybody knows you as a character.
"I find it's a reward, it's better to be known than unknown as far as I'm concerned.
"Particularly if you are known as a character that people really love... what a way to finish your working life."