
Gavin and Stacey star Larry Lamb retires from acting
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 retires 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.
Top 10 Best British TV Series
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.
Recommended reading:
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."
Hashtags

Try Our AI Features
Explore what Daily8 AI can do for you:
Comments
No comments yet...
Related Articles


The Guardian
21 minutes ago
- The Guardian
BBCSSO/Wigglesworth/Batsashvili review – detailed and monumental Bruckner
The ghost of Richard Wagner hovers over Anton Bruckner's Seventh Symphony, most obviously in the monumental Adagio, completed mere months after the death of the Austrian composer's musical hero and occasional drinking buddy. The slow movement duly occupied centre stage in Ryan Wigglesworth's somewhat restrained interpretation with the BBC Scottish Symphony Orchestra, its utterances simple, yet profound. This was no funeral oration, however, but a fond farewell, its tender tones occasionally ruffled by the phalanx of Wagner tubas unsettling the harmonies towards the bottom of the orchestra. Wigglesworth's conducting benefited from his composer's ear: orchestral balance was spotless; instrumental colours blended with an instinct for detail. Equally effective was his way of always keeping something in reserve, especially important in Bruckner where the slow build is paramount. In the first movement, the architectural framework was clearly defined, the conductor adopting a (mostly) non-interventionist approach to phrasing and rubato. Not that the performance lacked incident, with great wodges of brass giving way to the sound of solitary flutes crying in the wilderness. In contrast, the scherzo was almost jaunty. It was left to the finale to climb one final mountain and end in a blaze of glory. A similar grasp of the musical trajectory paid dividends in Mozart's Piano Concerto No 20. Wigglesworth kept the orchestral sound down, though its sinister presence was always there, lurking beneath Mariam Batsashvili's vital account of the solo line. The Georgian pianist gave an enthralling, controlled performance, notes dropping like liquid pearls. Her choice of Beethoven's flinty cadenzas upped the dramatic stakes. The central Romance was finessed with a supple grace before a fiery finale in which the conductor finally allowed the orchestra its head. Batsashvili's encore, Liszt's La Campanella, was dispatched in a blur of coruscating finger work, proving she can showboat with the best. The concert opened with For Laura, after Bach, composed by the conductor in tribute to the BBCSSO's former leader Laura Samuel, who died last year. Inspired by her recording of the Gigue from Bach's third solo partita, Wigglesworth incorporated its themes into an elaborate 10-minute memorial for strings where wheeling violins soared heavenward in intricate canons and sombre cello lines hinted at heartbeats and lullabies. Listen again on BBC Sounds until 12 October. The Proms continue until 13 September.


North Wales Live
an hour ago
- North Wales Live
Win the ultimate family VIP experience at Blenheim Palace & an overnight stay at The Feathers Hotel
Leading attraction and UNESCO World Heritage Site, Blenheim Palace, has teamed up with The Feathers Hotel to give one lucky winner the chance to secure the ultimate prize that showcases all there is to offer at Britain's Greatest Palace this summer. The incredible package—worth over £2000—includes a Palace and Play annual pass for a family of four, granting unlimited access to Blenheim Palace's historic wonders and adventure playgrounds. The winner will also enjoy exclusive VIP experiences with a private guided tour of the palace's magnificent state rooms and private apartments, plus a VIP buggy tour of the spectacular gardens led by one of Blenheim's expert guides. Make unforgettable family memories with tickets for four to both Christmas at Blenheim Palace 2025 and Halloween at Blenheim Palace 2025—two of the most magical events in the calendar. Indulge in an elegant afternoon tea for four within the palace grounds, soaking up the atmosphere of this iconic estate. And to complete your experience, relax with a luxurious overnight stay for two at The Feathers Hotel in Woodstock, including dinner and breakfast at this stylish boutique destination just moments from the palace gates. An ever-changing experience, no two visits to Blenheim Palace are the same. Visitors can expect a rich variety of cultural highlights, a programme of special events and world-class exhibitions all year round. Not to mention once-in-a-lifetime experiences including Rooftop View showcasing a breathtaking new perspective that has never been accessible before as well as the immersive Life Below Stairs exhibition where visitors can step back in time and explore the historically significant original working kitchens. Set in over 2,000 acres of landscaped park and gardens and steeped in 300 years of history, Blenheim Palace is an iconic part of history housing one of the most extensive collections in Europe, the largest collection of living ancient oak trees, as well as the Great Lake and Queen Pool, historical temples, monuments and statues. In the Walled Garden and Adventure Play, an entire area dedicated for families can be explored with curated events, activities and an all-new Pip and Posy themed interactive experience inspired by Magic Light Pictures' hugely popular pre-school series which airs on Sky Kids and Channel 5's Milkshake! making it an unmissable day out. The Feathers, in the heart of historic Woodstock, reopened in October 2024 following a multi-million pound renovation. Located just moments from Blenheim Palace, The Feathers boasts an idyllic location with a selection of independent restaurants, boutiques and bakeries on the hotel's doorstep, while providing the perfect base for those wanting to discover the Cotswolds. The interiors provide a modern take on the Grade II listed building while maintaining the building's captivating charm. Each of the 23 rooms and suites, restaurant, bar and lobby have been reimagined. The Feathers is home to The Nest; an exciting new brasserie led by Head Chef Luke Rawicki where local produce, traditional British fare and unexpected flavour combinations come together under one roof as well as The Aviary Bar; a local hotspot with an impressive wine list and cocktail menu and soon-to-be-launched terrace and pizza oven. To be in with a chance of winning this once-in-a-lifetime family experience, simply fill in the entry form below. If you can't see the form, click here. This competition closes at 11:45pm on the 31st August 2025.


Daily Record
an hour ago
- Daily Record
Win the ultimate family VIP experience at Blenheim Palace & an overnight stay at The Feathers Hotel
This summer, Blenheim Palace are offering one lucky winner the ultimate family prize package, worth an incredible £2,041! Leading attraction and UNESCO World Heritage Site, Blenheim Palace, has teamed up with The Feathers Hotel to give one lucky winner the chance to secure the ultimate prize that showcases all there is to offer at Britain's Greatest Palace this summer. The incredible package—worth over £2000—includes a Palace and Play annual pass for a family of four, granting unlimited access to Blenheim Palace's historic wonders and adventure playgrounds. The winner will also enjoy exclusive VIP experiences with a private guided tour of the palace's magnificent state rooms and private apartments, plus a VIP buggy tour of the spectacular gardens led by one of Blenheim's expert guides. Make unforgettable family memories with tickets for four to both Christmas at Blenheim Palace 2025 and Halloween at Blenheim Palace 2025—two of the most magical events in the calendar. Indulge in an elegant afternoon tea for four within the palace grounds, soaking up the atmosphere of this iconic estate. And to complete your experience, relax with a luxurious overnight stay for two at The Feathers Hotel in Woodstock, including dinner and breakfast at this stylish boutique destination just moments from the palace gates. An ever-changing experience, no two visits to Blenheim Palace are the same. Visitors can expect a rich variety of cultural highlights, a programme of special events and world-class exhibitions all year round. Not to mention once-in-a-lifetime experiences including Rooftop View showcasing a breathtaking new perspective that has never been accessible before as well as the immersive Life Below Stairs exhibition where visitors can step back in time and explore the historically significant original working kitchens. Set in over 2,000 acres of landscaped park and gardens and steeped in 300 years of history, Blenheim Palace is an iconic part of history housing one of the most extensive collections in Europe, the largest collection of living ancient oak trees, as well as the Great Lake and Queen Pool, historical temples, monuments and statues. In the Walled Garden and Adventure Play, an entire area dedicated for families can be explored with curated events, activities and an all-new Pip and Posy themed interactive experience inspired by Magic Light Pictures' hugely popular pre-school series which airs on Sky Kids and Channel 5's Milkshake! making it an unmissable day out. The Feathers, in the heart of historic Woodstock, reopened in October 2024 following a multi-million pound renovation. Located just moments from Blenheim Palace, The Feathers boasts an idyllic location with a selection of independent restaurants, boutiques and bakeries on the hotel's doorstep, while providing the perfect base for those wanting to discover the Cotswolds. The interiors provide a modern take on the Grade II listed building while maintaining the building's captivating charm. Each of the 23 rooms and suites, restaurant, bar and lobby have been reimagined. The Feathers is home to The Nest; an exciting new brasserie led by Head Chef Luke Rawicki where local produce, traditional British fare and unexpected flavour combinations come together under one roof as well as The Aviary Bar; a local hotspot with an impressive wine list and cocktail menu and soon-to-be-launched terrace and pizza oven. To be in with a chance of winning this once-in-a-lifetime family experience, simply fill in the entry form below. If you can't see the form, click here. This competition closes at 11:45pm on the 31st August 2025. One winner will be selected at random—good luck!