Latest news with #Gavin&Stacey:TheFinale
Wales Online
4 days 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
Daily Mirror
11-05-2025
- Entertainment
- Daily Mirror
Ruth Jones teases new project with Gavin and Stacey co-creator James Corden
The Gavin & Stacey: The Finale star was overcome with emotion as she dedicated her Bafta win to James Corden, who co-created and co-starred in the show as Smithy Ruth Jones was ecstatic as she won a TV Bafta for her role as straight-talking Nessa in Gavin & Stacey: The Finale last night. The show, which has been watched by more than 20million viewers, had been snubbed in the main comedy category award and also lost out in the Memorable Moment category. But taking to the stage to collect her gong, Ruth went into character as she said: 'I'm not gonna lie, this is immense. I didn't expect to win this. I've won a Bafta before, of course I have, in 1976.' Thanking all the cast and crew, plus the BBC, she fought back tears as she added: 'The person I'd like to thank the most is my dear, talented, lovely, kind friend James Corden with whom I've shared this astonishing journey for the last 17 years. And without whom, Vanessa Shannessa Jenkins wouldn't exist. I love you James.' Danny Dyer was similarly overcome as he was named best comedy male for his role in Sky's Mr Bigstuff. Choking up he dedicated the gong to writer Ryan Sampson, saying: 'You won this for me mate.' Addressing his daughters Dani and Sunnie from the stage - and breaking the no swearing rule - the former EastEnder told them: 'Girls, I done it. I f***ing done it.' While there was joy for BBC drama Mr Loverman, which took two awards for main actors Lennie James and Ariyon Bakare, and also ITV 's Mr Bates Vs The Post Office, which won the limited drama category and also received a special award, many others came away empty handed. Apple+'s Slow Horses failed to land a gong despite a trio of nominations along with Disney +'s Rivals, which also had three. It was the same story for BBC1 's The Traitors, with no wins for the show in two categories and presenter Claudia Winkleman being beaten in the entertainment performance category by Joe Lycett. Netflix drama Baby Reindeer, nominated in four categories, found success thanks to Jessica Gunning taking the award for best supporting actress for her role as stalking Martha. Thanking her co-star Richard Gadd, who wrote the hard-hitting autobiographical drama, she used one of his nicknames as she said: 'Richard, you've changed my life with Baby Reindeer, happy birthday little Nipple.' In the reality category, the winner was Channel 4 's The Jury: Murder Trial, which re-enacted a real-life trial, with producer Ed Kellie saying: 'This proves that reality TV can actually be about something.' Collecting the gong for limited drama, Mr Bates producer Patrick Spences said: "We'd like to put on record that being trusted by the sub-postmasters to tell their story has been the greatest privilege of our lives.' And accepting the honour for commissioning the show in the first place, ITV managing director Kevin Lygo said it was a travesty that many of the 555 who lost their livelihoods and suffered for many years were still waiting for full justice. 'They still have not got their compensation so I say to whoever is in charge of that, will you hurry up and pay these people what they are due.' Lennie James was choked as he took the leading actor Bafta, thanking his co-star Ariyon Bakare, who won the best supporting actor, for being his 'TV lover'. The memorable moment award, the only gong to be voted for by the public, went to Strictly Come Dancing 's emotional performance by Dianne Buswell and Chris McCausland to You'll Never Walk Alone. The win means that the BBC ballroom show won a Bafta in its 20th anniversary year as it beat stiff competition from Gavin & Stacey, Traitors and Mr Bates, along with Rivals and Bridgerton. Collecting the award solo - because stand-up Chris was on stage - Dianne said Chris had sent a message for her to read out. In it, he quipped: 'After 22 years in comedy, I win a Bafta for dancing. Di, I'll take it, but please let them all know, it hurts.' It was also a good anniversary night for EastEnders, with boss Chris Clenshaw saying he was delighted for the soap to take the gong just as the show celebrates its 40th anniversary, laughing: 'It's back to the Queen Vic for a knees up!' Best drama went to BBC1's police series Blue Lights, set in Northern Ireland. Collecting the award, the producer said: 'Thank you to the people of our home city for letting us tell your stories. Belfast, this one's for you.'
The Independent
04-04-2025
- Entertainment
- The Independent
Larry Lamb reveals the advice from his ex that helped him land Gavin & Stacey role
Larry Lamb has shared the unusual advice from his ex-partner that eventually helped him secure the role of Mick in Gavin & Stacey. The actor, 77, played Mick Shipman, the supportive, laidback father of Mathew Horne 's Gavin, in the beloved BBC sitcom from 2007 to 2010, and later reprised the part in two further Christmas specials, which aired in 2019 and 2024. Lamb's character had a pivotal role in the final moments of last year's special, when Mick finally reveals that he doesn't believe that Gavin's longtime best friend Smithy, played by co-creator James Corden, should marry his fiancée Sonia (Laura Aikman). After Mick shares his true thoughts on the relationship, Smithy decides to abandon the wedding ceremony and pursue Nessa, played by the show's co-creator Ruth Jones. But in a new interview with The Times, the EastEnders star revealed that the series could have been very different, as director Christine Gernon initially had doubts when Lamb auditioned for the role in 2006. However, Lamb's partner at the time, actor Clare Burt, gave him some advice that helped him impress Gernon in his follow-up audition. 'She said, 'Play it like you and Pam [Mick's wife, played by Alison Steadman] have loads of great sex together,'' Lamb told The Times. 'I went back for a second audition and I nailed it.' The most recent Gavin & Stacey Christmas special marked the show's last hurrah, with Corden and Jones both stressing that they don't want to write any further episodes after finally giving their characters a happy ending. Lamb, however, admitted that he'd 'love to do more' episodes of the show, and revealed that he even floated the idea of a spin-off film to BBC director general Tim Davie, when he bumped into him 'in the lobby' on the way to the interview. 'I'd love to do more but… You tell me,' he said. 'I said to the bloke downstairs in the lobby [Davie], 'I don't know why you don't take the show, reorganise all the contracts and put it in the cinema. You'd have 35 million people going to see it. You'd make all the money over again.' Gavin & Stacey: The Finale was watched by 12.3 million viewers when it aired on BBC One on Christmas Day, beating the 2019 special. Viewing data later revealed that the episode was watched by 20.9 million over the course of 28 days following its debut, breaking viewing records.
Yahoo
31-03-2025
- Business
- Yahoo
BBC to cut spending on new shows by £150m as streaming wars bite
The BBC is to spend £150m less on new shows in the coming year as it warned of an 'unprecedented' funding challenge for British television. The public service broadcaster said it plans to spend just over £2.5bn on programming in the current financial year, down from almost £2.7bn last year. It follows industry-wide warnings of a funding crisis for British programmes amid growing competition from streaming rivals such as Netflix. A gold rush of investment from US companies has driven up the cost of making shows, while TV executives have warned that streaming services are shunning co-productions as they look to retain full ownership of rights. The BBC has previously said that a number of its productions, including an adaptation of Douglas Stuart's award-winning novel Shuggie Bain, are 'stuck in limbo' owing to a lack of cash. The funding drought has prompted calls for a government intervention, with proposals including a shake-up of existing tax incentives or even a new 'Netflix tax' on streaming companies. In its annual plan published on Monday, the BBC said it was facing an 'unprecedented content funding challenge'. It added: 'Without intervention, it will be difficult to maintain the current ambition and volume of UK content.' It comes amid a broader funding squeeze for the BBC, which is now locked in discussions with ministers over the future of the licence fee. The corporation last year rolled out sweeping cuts to jobs and programming as Tim Davie, the BBC's director general, tried to plug a black hole in its finances of nearly £500m. Bosses said they had cut 2,000 roles over the last five years but warned this approach was 'no longer sustainable'. The BBC had said it expected to return to a surplus in the coming year. However, the broadcaster warned today that a further deficit of £33m is expected due to delays in some cost-cutting initiatives. The BBC forecast income of just over £6bn in the coming year, including roughly £3.9bn from the licence fee. That is up from £3.8bn last year, with an inflation-linked increase in the licence fee to £174.50 offset in part by a 1pc decline in the number of people paying the levy. The corporation said its budget was down by £1bn in real terms compared to 15 years ago. The BBC has been investing heavily in its streaming service iPlayer as it looks to stem an exodus of viewers to streaming services –particularly among younger audiences. The broadcaster said it 'remains a unifying force in a digitally fragmented world', pointing to major successes for Wallace & Gromit: Vengeance Most Fowl and Gavin & Stacey: The Finale, which both pulled in more than 20m viewers. It also attracted large audiences for major sporting events such as the Olympics, men's Euros and Wimbledon. The BBC also emphasised the importance of its news output at a 'challenging time for global democracy'. The corporation pointed to figures showing the British public has more trust in broadcast news than in social media, while the BBC remains the number one news source in the UK. Samir Shah, the BBC chairman, said: 'The BBC's role has never been more important, both here in the UK and around the world, to deliver trusted, impartial news in a world of disinformation; develop and promote the most compelling home-grown content; and be the place where people come together for unforgettable shared moments. 'The BBC board fully endorses this plan, as we plot the long-term future of this marvellous organisation and deliver for audiences for generations to come.' Mr Davie said: 'We are focused on our mission to deliver value for all, through our journalism, our storytelling and our unique ability to bring people together. 'The UK's creative industry continues to change rapidly, as does the world around us. This plan sets out how the BBC continues to evolve for audiences, both on and off air, but also how we will support and invest in the wider industry.' Broaden your horizons with award-winning British journalism. Try The Telegraph free for 1 month with unlimited access to our award-winning website, exclusive app, money-saving offers and more.
Telegraph
31-03-2025
- Business
- Telegraph
BBC to cut spending on new shows by £150m as streaming wars bite
The BBC is to spend £150m less on new shows in the coming year as it warned of an 'unprecedented' funding challenge for British television. The public service broadcaster said it plans to spend just over £2.5bn on programming in the current financial year, down from almost £2.7bn last year. It follows industry-wide warnings of a funding crisis for British programmes amid growing competition from streaming rivals such as Netflix. A gold rush of investment from US companies has driven up the cost of making shows, while TV executives have warned that streaming services are shunning co-productions as they look to retain full ownership of rights. The BBC has previously said that a number of its productions, including an adaptation of Douglas Stuart's award-winning novel Shuggie Bain, are 'stuck in limbo' owing to a lack of cash. The funding drought has prompted calls for a government intervention, with proposals including a shake-up of existing tax incentives or even a new 'Netflix tax' on streaming companies. In its annual plan published on Monday, the BBC said it was facing an 'unprecedented content funding challenge'. It added: 'Without intervention, it will be difficult to maintain the current ambition and volume of UK content.' Funding squeeze It comes amid a broader funding squeeze for the BBC, which is now locked in discussions with ministers over the future of the licence fee. The corporation last year rolled out sweeping cuts to jobs and programming as Tim Davie, the BBC's director general, tried to plug a black hole in its finances of nearly £500m. Bosses said they had cut 2,000 roles over the last five years but warned this approach was 'no longer sustainable'. The BBC had said it expected to return to a surplus in the coming year. However, the broadcaster warned today that a further deficit of £33m is expected due to delays in some cost-cutting initiatives. The BBC forecast income of just over £6bn in the coming year, including roughly £3.9bn from the licence fee. That is up from £3.8bn last year, with an inflation-linked increase in the licence fee to £174.50 offset in part by a 1pc decline in the number of people paying the levy. The corporation said its budget was down by £1bn in real terms compared to 15 years ago. The BBC has been investing heavily in its streaming service iPlayer as it looks to stem an exodus of viewers to streaming services –particularly among younger audiences. The broadcaster said it 'remains a unifying force in a digitally fragmented world', pointing to major successes for Wallace & Gromit: Vengeance Most Fowl and Gavin & Stacey: The Finale, which both pulled in more than 20m viewers. It also attracted large audiences for major sporting events such as the Olympics, men's Euros and Wimbledon. The BBC also emphasised the importance of its news output at a 'challenging time for global democracy'. The corporation pointed to figures showing the British public has more trust in broadcast news than in social media, while the BBC remains the number one news source in the UK. Samir Shah, the BBC chairman, said: 'The BBC's role has never been more important, both here in the UK and around the world, to deliver trusted, impartial news in a world of disinformation; develop and promote the most compelling home-grown content; and be the place where people come together for unforgettable shared moments. 'The BBC board fully endorses this plan, as we plot the long-term future of this marvellous organisation and deliver for audiences for generations to come.' Mr Davie said: 'We are focused on our mission to deliver value for all, through our journalism, our storytelling and our unique ability to bring people together. 'The UK's creative industry continues to change rapidly, as does the world around us. This plan sets out how the BBC continues to evolve for audiences, both on and off air, but also how we will support and invest in the wider industry.'
