Latest news with #Gavin&Stacey


Wales Online
10 hours ago
- Entertainment
- Wales Online
Gavin & Stacey's Jo Page announces exciting next move and it'll involve her iconic sitcom role
Gavin & Stacey's Jo Page announces exciting next move and it'll involve her iconic sitcom role For the first time the Swansea-born star will take fans behind the scenes of her most iconic roles and introduces them to a colourful cast including Ruth Jones, James Corden, Richard E. Grant, Johnny Depp, Liam Neeson and Emma Thompson. Actress Joanna Page has said the book will focus on her upbringing in Wales, going to drama school in London and her career in acting Gavin & Stacey star Jo Page has announced an exciting new career development and it will involve some insight into her most iconic sitcom role, Stacey Shipman. The Swasnsea star will be releaseing a memoir later in 2025, entitled Lush!: My Story - From Swansea to Stacey and Everything in Between. The book will launch in September, and will be a 'funny, candid and endlessly surprising memoir' in which Joanna 'shares her story in full for the first time.' The book is said to take readers behind the scenes of her most iconic roles as well as detail her early life growing up in Treboeth and the sudden shock of moving to London at 18 alone) to takeher place at RADA. Fans could pre-order the book now, which you can find out more here. In a video clip shared on her Instagram, the Welsh actress, who played Stacey in the BBC sitcom that concluded last Christmas after 17 years, said that she had "so much" fun writing the book. In the clip, she said: "I'm so excited to be able to tell you all about my book. "I'm going to be talking about all of the highs and the lows of my life and career so far. Article continues below "Everything that's got me up to this point now. I have had so much fun writing it, and this is going to be the very first time that you actually see the cover. "And I'm so, so happy to share it with you now." In the caption of the video, the Gavin & Stacey star provided further details on the focus of the book. For the latest TV and showbiz gossip sign up to our newsletter . The actress wrote: "From my early days growing up in Wales, to going to drama school in London and being on my own for the first time at eighteen, through those early auditions and right through my career and life to date. "There have been so many incredible moments and stories and re-visiting them has been such a journey – one I can't wait to share with you." Content cannot be displayed without consent Many have responded to the news, with fellow Gavin & Stacey star, Laura Aikman, who played Smithy's jilted bride Sonia replying with: "Congratulations!!" Psychologist Dr Julie Smith said: "Best title ever! Well done! Can't wait to read it!" Another fan said: "Awww that's lush! Can't wait to read". It has been over six months since we said goodbye to Jo Page's beloved character Stacey and the rest of the cast in Gavin & Stacey: The Finale, which was aired on Christmas Day last year. But the actress has kept herself busy since then, having been spotted filming in Barry Island with presenter chef Chris 'Flamebaster' Roberts in March and starring in the BBC One series Wynne & Joanna: All at Sea alongside presenter Wynne Evans. The star has also co-hosting a podcast alongside Eastenders icon, Natalie Cassidy, called On The Telly, where they talk about TV and the entertainment business. Article continues below


Wales Online
2 days ago
- Entertainment
- Wales Online
Gavin & Stacey star on Doctor Who's 'disgraceful' regeneration
Gavin & Stacey star on Doctor Who's 'disgraceful' regeneration Many have shared their thoughts on the regeneration, including Doctor Who fan and actor Robert Wilfort The series finale of Doctor Who saw Ncuti Gatwa regenerate into Billie Piper (Image: BBC Studios/Bad Wolf/James Pardon/PA Wire ) Gavin & Stacey star Robert Wilfort has jokingly described Doctor Who's regeneration as "disgraceful". On his Instagram story, the Welsh actor, fondly known as Stacey's brother Jason West in the beloved BBC sitcom, shared his thoughts on the recent regeneration. Fans tuned in to the special episode on Saturday evening, May 30, to see Ncuti Gatwa regenerate into Billie Piper in the series finale of Doctor Who. Gatwa had played the iconic character for two series with Piper having previous played the Doctor's assistant, Rose Tyler, between 2005 and 2006 before making guest appearances in 2008 and 2010. According to the BBC, fans would have to wait and see "just how and why [Billie Piper] is back". For the latest TV and showbiz gossip sign up to our newsletter . And many have shared their thoughts on the regeneration, including Doctor Who fan, Robert Wilfort. On his Instagram story, he posted: "Once again I've had to endure Dr Who regenerating in to an actor that isn't me. Disgraceful". Robert Wilfort as Jason West in Gavin and Stacey (Image: BBC3 ) Article continues below In February this year, the actor told Doctor Who showrunner, fellow Welshman Russell T Davies, that it was time for a Welsh Doctor to step into the Tardis. As rumours were circulating that Ncuti Gatwa would be taking a step back from the role earlier this year, the Gavin & Stacey actor posted a photo of a blue telephone box to his Instagram. He said: "As new Dr Who rumours circulate I'd like to throw my hat in the ring. If you're listening Russell, it's time for a Welsh doctor." On his Instagram story, actor Robert Wilfort wrote: "Once again I've had to endure Dr Who regenerating in to an actor that isn't me. Disgraceful" (Image: Robert Wilfort / Instagram ) And many commenters were seemingly supportive of Robert's idea, with fellow Gavin & Stacey star and co-creator, James Corden, liking the post. But Wilfort and the rest of us will have to wait and see how Billie Piper's storyline will pan out in the series. Article continues below According to the BBC, the actress said the opportunity to "step back on that Tardis one more time was just something I couldn't refuse".
Yahoo
23-05-2025
- Entertainment
- Yahoo
Postbox topper marks Gavin & Stacey festival talk
A Gavin & Stacey postbox topper has appeared to mark an appearance by the stars of the show, James Corden and Ruth Jones, at the Hay Festival. The second day of the literary festival will see the pair talking about their book to be published later this year, on the backstage story behind the hit programme. Reet Prendergast knitted the topper to mark the occasion in the Powys market town, which borders Herefordshire and is famous for its book shops. Thousands of people are flocking there for more than 600 events over 11 days. Visitors attending the talk with Corden and Jones will hear about the origins of the award-winning show, its meteoric rise and all about the actors, including their friendship and working relationship. This month, Jones said the show was "definitely over" but hinted she and Corden could work together again in the future. She and Corden created and wrote the show, playing Nessa and Smithy, with the first series airing in 2007. The series officially ended with a grand finale Christmas Day episode last year and became one of the most watched scripted TV shows of the century. When Friday's talk was announced, Hay Festival chief executive Julie Finch promised fans "a joyful discussion about friendship, creativity and perseverance". When Gavin met Stacey and Everything in Between: A Story of Love and Friendship, is due out in October. Follow BBC Hereford & Worcester on BBC Sounds, Facebook, X and Instagram. Billy Ocean and Stacey Dooley set for Hay Festival Hay Festival BBC events at Hay Festival


Daily Mirror
21-05-2025
- Entertainment
- Daily Mirror
Gavin & Stacey's Rob Brydon lands new role – with striking Uncle Bryn likeness
Gavin and Stacey star Rob Brydon has landed an exciting new role as he plays an oddball, while Michael Palin is back doing comedy as BBC line up host of new funny shows Gavin & Stacey star Rob Brydon has landed a new comedy series as part of a host of new BBC sitcom announcements. Rob plays middle-aged divorcee Bill Beam who staves off financial ruin by renting his spare rooms to students. The character sounds a bit like Uncle Bryn from Gavin & Stacey. Warm-hearted and eager but neurotic and slightly overbearing, Bill is thrilled by the youthful energy his lodgers bring – but baffled by their indifference to his laminated house rules and colour-coded cutlery. He's torn between wanting to be part of the gang – sharing banter, keeping up with trends – and clinging to his role as responsible adult. The show, called Bill's Included, is written by Ben Ashenden and Alexander Owen. Rob Brydon says: 'I can't wait to get started with this, to speak the wonderful words written by Alex and Ben who've done such a great job on the script.' Brydon's comedy was one of a host announced by the BBC yesterday at their own comedy festival in Belfast which include new projects for Diane Morgan and Lenny Rush. The Office star Mackenzie Crook has also written a new project which will see a return to comedy for Monty Python star Michael Palin. The line up includes: Diane Morgan sitcom Ann Droid about a social humanoid robot designed to keep elderly people company, exploring the hilarious intersection of technology and human connection Supernatural family sitcom Reluctant Vampire starring BAFTA winner Lenny Rush Small Prophets , created by BAFTA winner Mackenzie Crook, starring Pearce Quigley, BAFTA winner Sir Michael Palin and BAFTA winner Sophie Willan Stuffed , starring Guz Khan as an office worker who gets an unexpected Christmas bonus and takes his family to Lapland, only to find that he has to pay the money back The return of series Only Child, Funboys, The Young Offenders and Golden Cobra BBC Director of comedy Jon Petrie said: 'The BBC continues to be the biggest single investor in original comedy content in the UK. And for the second year running eight out of the top 10 scripted comedies were on the BBC. Created, written by and starring some of the UK's most brilliant homegrown talent, I'm really proud of the shows we have announced today and can't wait for BBC viewers to see them.' He added: 'Great comedy always comes back to the fundamentals: brilliant characters, sharp jokes, a unique voice. Those are the elements that endure – not massive sets or casts of thousands. 'Our priority is to keep our shows affordable and distinctive, because comedy doesn't need explosions and continuous shots, it needs punchlines, authentic voices, and that gleeful point of view that no algorithm can touch.' Six part series Small Prophets is a comic tale of eccentric Michael Sleep (Pearce Quigley) who, since his darling Clea disappeared seven years ago, has lived a very ordinary life. He eats Shreddies, works in a DIY store, visits dad Brian (Sir Michael Palin) and hopes for Clea to return. Filmed and set in and around Manchester the series incorporates visually stunning animation elements throughout as we tell a story of friendships and hope, the magical and the mundane, and where secrets and lies lurk in a suburban cul-de-sac. Mackenzie Crook said: 'Like all my best ideas, this one has been percolating for nearly a decade and is finally ready to see the light of day. It's wonderful to be working again with my friends Gill Isles and Pearce Quigley and to realise a long-term ambition of collaborating with animators Ainslie Henderson and Will Anderson.'


Wales Online
21-05-2025
- Entertainment
- Wales Online
Gavin & Stacey's Rob Brydon's massive comedy career update as BBC makes announcement
Gavin & Stacey's Rob Brydon's massive comedy career update as BBC makes announcement TV presenter and actor Rob Brydon will be back on our screens in a new BBC One comedy series (Image: Getty Images ) Would I Lie To You presenter and Gavin and Stacey star, Rob Brydon will be fronting a new comedy series for BBC One and BBC iPlayer. The Baglan-born actor will become Bill Beam, a middle-aged divorcee who staves off financial ruin by renting his spare rooms to students in the new series, Bill's Included. The series is written by Ben Ashenden and Alexander Owen and produced by Baby Cow, the company founded by Rob's the Trip co-star, Steve Coogan and TV producer, Henry Normal. The series will include six 30 minute episodes of the comedy that we have become accustomed to with Rob Brydon. For the latest TV and showbiz gossip sign up to our newsletter . Rob Brydon said: "I can't wait to get started with this, to speak the wonderful words written by Alex and Ben who've done such a great job on the script." His character has been described by the BBC as a "warm-hearted and eager but neurotic and slightly overbearing", which sounds very reminiscent of his incredibly famous Gavin and Stacey character. He is excited for the energy that his new young lodgers bring, although he can't quite fathom why they don't like his house rules or colour-coded cutlery. He's torn between wanting to be part of the gang - sharing banter, keeping up with trends - and clinging to his role as responsible adult. Article continues below I'm confused, are we not just describing Uncle Bryn? Regardless, the series looks at how the group navigate living together, emotional moments and the surprising parallels between university life and midlife crisis. The writers Ben Ashenden and Alexander Owen, actually met at university and have used a lot of their own experiences to influence the series. The said: "When we first met as students, we bonded over Human Remains and Marion and Geoff. To now be writing a show in which Rob Brydon lives with students is both a dream come true and a weirdly specific full circle moment. "We're thrilled to be working with the amazing teams at Baby Cow and the BBC and can't wait to bring Bill Beam to life. Bill's Included, you're invited, we're excited." BBC's Director of Comedy, Jon Petrie added: "Rob Brydon has given us some of Britain's most beloved TV characters over the years and we're about to get another one! Article continues below "Paired with the razor-sharp writing talent of Ben Ashenden and Alexander Owen, Bill's Included delivers exactly what audiences want - a warm, character-driven sitcom with genuine laughs and heart at its core. We're delighted to have this on BBC iPlayer and BBC One and can't wait for audiences to move in with Bill and his lodgers." They are yet to announce when the series will be available to watch, but keep an eye out for more information.