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BBC News
5 days ago
- Entertainment
- BBC News
Gavin and Stacey star Joanna Page wrote autobiography at night in pub car park
As she turns the page of her career, Joanna Page felt the time was right for her only problem was finding the right time and place to actually write answer would prove to be a disused pub car park, or outside a cricket club in the middle of the night or even in a car in front of her own the result, as well as exhausting, has been "like a therapy session" for the Gavin and Stacey star as she looks towards the next chapter of her life. "I love telling stories and was very exciting thinking I'm going to write my life story because a lot of things have happened. But, trying to do that while looking after four children and four guinea pigs and a hunky husband is quite hard work," she told Behnaz Akhgar on BBC Radio Wales. "So at five o'clock I'll hand the kids over to James, make myself a quick cup of tea, grab a chocolate bar and drive to a little local pub that is just waiting to change hands, so nobody is going there. "I'll park in the car park, think of stories and write notes until 11.30 at night when I'll start freaking out, thinking I'm going to get attacked."So then I will drive to the car park of this cricket pitch closer to our house and work until about 1.30 in the morning and it's pitch black outside. When I think about it now it's ridiculous. "Then I drive back at home, park in front of the house, and then, no word of a lie, continue to work outside because if I go back in, [youngest child] Bo will sense me, wake up, and then everyone will wake up, and I won't be able to work at all. "So I'll work until five in the morning. At that point think, I'm near death, and I just think I can't go on any more. So I go inside, sleep for two hours, get up at 7 to get the kids ready for school and get on with the rest of the day and being with Bo. That is where my life is at the moment." Her autobiography, entitled Lush, recounts her youth in a small village near Swansea, graduating from the Royal Academy of Dramatic Art [Rada] and early stage and screen performances before her big break in the Bafta-winning sitcom Gavin and has led to countless TV and film roles, including romantic comedy Love Actually as well as regular presenting and, more recently, podcasts."It was very strange going back to the beginning. Thinking and talking of everything has been like a therapy session and quite liberating."But it does freak you out a bit as well, because I don't think I've ever analysed myself this much before. I'm an impulsive person so to think about everything so much has been quite scary." Scary but perhaps inevitable given Page reveals how three fortune tellers predicted she would become a it should be little surprise that she did not seek help from close friend and Gavin and Stacey co-creator Ruth Jones."She's so busy with her own stuff I think she'd be sick to death of me asking 'can you help me with this and that?'" The title of her autobiography, due out in September, is synonymous with her most famous character - Stacey Shipman - but Page believes Lush also sums up her own admits to crying "constantly" throughout filming of the final episode last year, then while watching with with her own family on Christmas Day and then being left a "wreck" after watching the documentary that followed."I'm just such a sentimental and emotional person anyway. My emotions are always so much on the surface that it got to the second day [of filming], I mean we were only on day two, I just started crying," she said."There was so much joy and so much laughter because we all knew this will be the last time that we're here, playing these characters in these costumes, all together, doing this story. "You think about how far all our lives have gone. I started it when I was 29, and for something to be there in the background for the whole of your life. "And then, even though, Ruth and James would say to us, that's it, it's done, you've still got that feeling in the back of your head, oh surely, in a few years, there might be something. But now knowing that's never going to happen again, it's just so sad." Additional reporting by Gwilym Hubbard.
Scottish Sun
15-05-2025
- Entertainment
- Scottish Sun
Huge blow for Natalie Cassidy and Joanna Page as show AXED just one year after launching
Click to share on X/Twitter (Opens in new window) Click to share on Facebook (Opens in new window) NATALIE Cassidy and Joanna Page have been dealt a huge blow after the BBC failed to re-commission their podcast. The EastEnders alum, 42, and Gavin and Stacey favourite, 48, had teamed up for the audio shows discussing all things on and off the box. Sign up for the Entertainment newsletter Sign up 6 Natalie Cassidy and Joanna Page's Off The Telly podcast is coming to an end Credit: Off The Telly - BBC 6 It came after Natalie Cassidy quit EastEnders after 32 years Credit: BBC 6 Her co-hist, Gavin and Stacey icon Joanna Page, asked fans for their favourite moments from Off The Telly Credit: Off The Telly - BBC Natalie had addressed Masked Singer theories suggesting she was Bush - which proved to be correct - on the pod, as well as opening up on her nerves for EastEnders' 40th anniversary episode. Yet the episodes, which generally clock in at under an hour long, will now come to an end. Welsh screen star Joanna took to her Instagram Stories to post an image of the pair promoting their show and the words: "Our lovely pod is ending and we want to hear from you about your favourite Off The Telly moments. "Send us a voicenote," before stating the contact number. The Sun has reached out to the BBC for comment. A BBC spokesperson told us: 'What started as a six month project turned into more than a year of joyous TV chatter, and over 80 heart-warming episodes. "Though they both loved making the series, Natalie Cassidy and Joanna Page have very busy schedules and on the 21st May, the final episode of Off the Telly will be released on BBC Sounds. "Thank you to Nat and Jo for their warm recommendations and insider analysis, and to the whole team for keeping listeners in the loop with what to watch. "We look forward to working with Nat and Jo again soon!" Natalie, who told of her decision to quit her EastEnders role as Sonia Fowler earlier this year, still has her own podcast, Life With Nat. ALL CHANGE The podcast scrap came after we reported how Natalie had landed a new TV show with the broadcaster last month, shortly after she quit EastEnders after 32 years on the soap. BBC Daytime have commissioned a new series - under the working title Natalie Cassidy Learning to Care - for BBC One and iPlayer. The actress will fulfil her longtime ambition of wanting to train as carer. This means enrolling at one of the UK's top Health & Social Care colleges - alongside the next generation of carers. EastEnders Natalie Cassidy rushes to her nephew's aid in hospital after he dramatically collapsed and 'woke up in a body bag' In recent years, Natalie has cared for family members and volunteered in local groups. The show follows her journey across classroom to community care services - as she's there for life's toughest moments. While to make things official, the actress will have to pass her final exam. Natalie said: 'I'm thrilled to be embarking on a new adventure with BBC Daytime. EastEnders stars who QUIT MICHELLE Collins has seen her second EastEnders stint boost her bank balance. Yet what stars have quit this year? The Sun exclusively reported how Michelle, 62, was down to £20,000 in her company accounts when she agreed to a shock back-from-the-dead return to Albert Square last year. Her character, Cindy Beale, was presumed dead off-camera in 1998. Yet what about the 2024 exits? Earlier this summer, loyal soap fans appeared to note how Stevie Mitchell had "quit" the long-running series. It came after Alan Ford enjoyed just six-months on-screen. Bobby Beale actor Clay Milner Russell also left this year after five years in Walford. Fans also feared Martin Fowler actor James Bye would "quit out of boredom" over recent storylines. Additionally, a host of stars have quit the BBC soap for Hollywood fame. One of the most successful stars to come from the BBC One soap is Rob Kazinsky. He played Stacey Slater's brother Sean Slater from 2006 to 2009, he has starred in Hollywood blockbusters Pacific Rim and Captain Marvel. Ben Hardy, who quit EastEnders as Bobby Beale almost a decade ago, went on to break Hollywood the following year, when he starred as Archangel in X-Men: Apocalypse. Since then, he has played Roger Taylor in Queen biopic Bohemian Rhapsody, and he starred in Michael Bay's Netflix movie 6 Underground. Michelle Ryan played Zoe Slater until 2005. She starred as the lead in short-lived American series Bionic Woman from 2007 to 2008. "In a series exploring social care, I will be going back to college and learning for the first time since leaving school at 16. "Caring has always been a huge part of my life, from watching my mum care for my nan, to being a mother to caring for my dad, this series is close to my heart and I can't wait for you to see it.' She also fronts the Channel 4 consumer affairs show What's the Big Deal? The screen favourite also took part in The Masked Singer earlier this year, in disguise as Bush. Natalie also took to Virgin Radio for a special show over Easter. 6 The pair's 'busy schedules' are to blame for the show ending Credit: steve bright 6 Joanna is best known for her role as Stacey Shipman in Gavin and Stacey on the BBC Credit: PA
The Sun
15-05-2025
- Entertainment
- The Sun
Huge blow for Natalie Cassidy and Joanna Page as show AXED just one year after launching
NATALIE Cassidy and Joanna Page have been dealt a huge blow after the BBC failed to re-commission their podcast. The EastEnders alum, 42, and Gavin and Stacey favourite, 48, had teamed up for the audio shows discussing all things on and off the box. 6 6 Natalie had addressed Masked Singer theories suggesting she was Bush - which proved to be correct - on the pod, as well as opening up on her nerves for EastEnders' 40th anniversary episode. Yet the episodes, which generally clock in at under an hour long, will now come to an end. Welsh screen star Joanna took to her Instagram Stories to post an image of the pair promoting their show and the words: "Our lovely pod is ending and we want to hear from you about your favourite Off The Telly moments. "Send us a voicenote," before stating the contact number. The Sun has reached out to the BBC for comment. A BBC spokesperson told us: 'What started as a six month project turned into more than a year of joyous TV chatter, and over 80 heart-warming episodes. "Though they both loved making the series, Natalie Cassidy and Joanna Page have very busy schedules and on the 21st May, the final episode of Off the Telly will be released on BBC Sounds. "Thank you to Nat and Jo for their warm recommendations and insider analysis, and to the whole team for keeping listeners in the loop with what to watch. "We look forward to working with Nat and Jo again soon!" Natalie, who told of her decision to quit her EastEnders role as Sonia Fowler earlier this year, still has her own podcast, Life With Nat. ALL CHANGE The podcast scrap came after we reported how Natalie had landed a new TV show with the broadcaster last month, shortly after she quit EastEnders after 32 years on the soap. BBC Daytime have commissioned a new series - under the working title Natalie Cassidy Learning to Care - for BBC One and iPlayer. The actress will fulfil her longtime ambition of wanting to train as carer. This means enrolling at one of the UK's top Health & Social Care colleges - alongside the next generation of carers. EastEnders Natalie Cassidy rushes to her nephew's aid in hospital after he dramatically collapsed and 'woke up in a body bag' In recent years, Natalie has cared for family members and volunteered in local groups. The show follows her journey across classroom to community care services - as she's there for life's toughest moments. While to make things official, the actress will have to pass her final exam. Natalie said: 'I'm thrilled to be embarking on a new adventure with BBC Daytime. EastEnders stars who QUIT MICHELLE Collins has seen her second EastEnders stint boost her bank balance. Yet what stars have quit this year? The Sun exclusively reported how Michelle, 62, was down to £20,000 in her company accounts when she agreed to a shock back-from-the-dead return to Albert Square last year. Her character, Cindy Beale, was presumed dead off-camera in 1998. Yet what about the 2024 exits? Earlier this summer, loyal soap fans appeared to note how Stevie Mitchell had "quit" the long-running series. It came after Alan Ford enjoyed just six-months on-screen. Bobby Beale actor Clay Milner Russell also left this year after five years in Walford. Fans also feared Martin Fowler actor James Bye would "quit out of boredom" over recent storylines. Additionally, a host of stars have quit the BBC soap for Hollywood fame. One of the most successful stars to come from the BBC One soap is Rob Kazinsky. He played Stacey Slater's brother Sean Slater from 2006 to 2009, he has starred in Hollywood blockbusters Pacific Rim and Captain Marvel. Ben Hardy, who quit EastEnders as Bobby Beale almost a decade ago, went on to break Hollywood the following year, when he starred as Archangel in X-Men: Apocalypse. Since then, he has played Roger Taylor in Queen biopic Bohemian Rhapsody, and he starred in Michael Bay 's Netflix movie 6 Underground. Michelle Ryan played Zoe Slater until 2005. She starred as the lead in short-lived American series Bionic Woman from 2007 to 2008. "In a series exploring social care, I will be going back to college and learning for the first time since leaving school at 16. "Caring has always been a huge part of my life, from watching my mum care for my nan, to being a mother to caring for my dad, this series is close to my heart and I can't wait for you to see it.' She also fronts the Channel 4 consumer affairs show What's the Big Deal? The screen favourite also took part in The Masked Singer earlier this year, in disguise as Bush. Natalie also took to Virgin Radio for a special show over Easter. 6 6
The Irish Sun
15-05-2025
- Entertainment
- The Irish Sun
Huge blow for Natalie Cassidy and Joanna Page as show AXED just one year after launching
NATALIE Cassidy and Joanna Page have been dealt a huge blow after the BBC failed to re-commission their podcast. The EastEnders alum, 42, and Gavin and Stacey favourite, 48, had teamed up for the audio shows discussing all things on and off the box. Advertisement 6 Natalie Cassidy and Joanna Page's Off The Telly podcast is coming to an end Credit: Off The Telly - BBC 6 It came after Natalie Cassidy quit EastEnders after 32 years Credit: BBC 6 Her co-hist, Gavin and Stacey icon Joanna Page, asked fans for their favourite moments from Off The Telly Credit: Off The Telly - BBC Natalie had Yet the episodes, which generally clock in at under an hour long, will now come to an end. Welsh screen star "Send us a voicenote," before stating the contact number. Advertisement read more natalie cassidy The Sun has reached out to the BBC for comment. A BBC spokesperson told us: 'What started as a six month project turned into more than a year of joyous TV chatter, and over 80 heart-warming episodes. "Though they both loved making the series, Natalie Cassidy and Joanna Page have very busy schedules and on the 21st May, the final episode of Off the Telly will be released on BBC Sounds. "Thank you to Nat and Jo for their warm recommendations and insider analysis, and to the whole team for keeping listeners in the loop with what to watch. Advertisement Most read in Celebrity "We look forward to working with Nat and Jo again soon!" Natalie, who told of her ALL CHANGE The podcast scrap came after we reported how BBC Daytime have commissioned a new series - under the working title Natalie Cassidy Learning to Care - for BBC One and iPlayer. Advertisement The actress will fulfil her longtime ambition of wanting to train as carer. This means enrolling at one of the UK's top Health & Social Care colleges - alongside the next generation of carers. EastEnders Natalie Cassidy rushes to her nephew's aid in hospital after he dramatically collapsed and 'woke up in a body bag' In recent years, Natalie has cared for family members and volunteered in local groups. The show follows her journey across classroom to community care services - as she's there for life's toughest moments. Advertisement While to make things official, the actress will have to pass her final exam. Natalie said: 'I'm thrilled to be embarking on a new adventure with BBC Daytime. EastEnders stars who QUIT MICHELLE Collins has seen her second EastEnders stint boost her bank balance. Yet what stars have quit this year? The Sun exclusively reported how Michelle, 62, was down to £20,000 in her company accounts when she agreed to a Her character, Cindy Beale, was presumed dead off-camera in 1998. Yet what about the 2024 exits? Earlier this summer, loyal soap fans appeared to note how It came after Alan Ford enjoyed just six-months on-screen. Fans also Additionally, a host of stars have One of the most successful stars to come from the BBC One soap is Rob Kazinsky. He played Stacey Slater's brother Sean Slater from 2006 to 2009, he has starred in Hollywood blockbusters Pacific Rim and Ben Hardy, who quit EastEnders as Bobby Beale almost a decade ago, went on to break Hollywood the following year, when he starred as Archangel in X-Men: Apocalypse. Since then, he has played Roger Taylor in Queen biopic Michelle Ryan played Zoe Slater until 2005. She starred as the lead in short-lived American series Bionic Woman from 2007 to 2008. "In a series exploring social care, I will be going back to college and learning for the first time since leaving school at 16. "Caring has always been a huge part of my life, from watching my mum care for my nan, to being a mother to caring for my dad, this series is close to my heart and I can't wait for you to see it.' Advertisement She also fronts the Channel 4 consumer affairs show What's the Big Deal? The screen favourite also took part in The Masked Singer earlier this year, in disguise as Bush. Natalie also 6 The pair's 'busy schedules' are to blame for the show ending Credit: steve bright Advertisement 6 Joanna is best known for her role as Stacey Shipman in Gavin and Stacey on the BBC Credit: PA 6 Natalie has bagged a host of new media work since her EastEnders exit Credit: Getty
Daily Mail
11-05-2025
- Entertainment
- Daily Mail
BAFTA Television Awards 2025: Gavin and Stacey cast reunite on the red carpet after the beloved comedy's much-praised finale landed a nod for Memorable Moment
The Gavin & Stacey cast all looked radiant as they reunited on the red carpet at the 2025 BAFTA Television Awards on Sunday. James Coden, Ruth Jones, Larry Lamb, Rob Wilfort, Melanie Walters, Rob Brydon, Joanna Page and Mathew Horne were all in attendance of the annual award ceremony on Sunday. The cast of the legendary BBC series were in jovial spirits while stopping for stunning group snaps at the Southbank Centre's Royal Festival Hall in London. The men rocked dapper suits while Welsh star Ruth, 58, was the epitome of elegance in an electric blue gown, adding a pearly clutch bag to her ensemble. Meanwhile Joanna, 48, looked ravishing in a plunging baby blue frock with gold details, which she dressed up with clasy open-toe heels. Melanie, 63, ensured to steal the show in a bejewelled petrol green silky gown, accessorising with a stylish black bag and a pendant necklace. The cast of the legendary BBC series were in jovial spirits while stopping for stunning group snaps at the Southbank Centre's Royal Festival Hall in London The star-studded evening will see a slew of celebrities take home awards celebrating excellence in TV, as well as a line-up of standout performances. Global music stars Jessie J and Tom Grennan are both set to put on a show at the ceremony, with powerhouse Jessie singing The Award Goes To as her first TV performance in six years. Meanwhile, multi-platinum popstar Tom will play his brand new track Full Attention, in a TV exclusive. Both performances will air during the awards ceremony on BBC One and BBC iPlayer on Sunday 11 May at 7pm. In addition, BAFTA has confirmed award-winning concert violinist and social media sensation Esther Abrami will be performing Apple Tree for the In Memoriam tribute. Speaking about her performance, Jessie J said: 'I haven't sung on British television in years. What a way to come back, it's an honour. But who will the award go to, that's the question.' Meanwhile, Tom added: 'It's a real honour to have been invited by such a prestigious event as BAFTA to perform in front of so many esteemed actors and creatives.' For the first time, Scottish actor, writer, producer and presenter Alan Cumming will host the glitzy ceremony. Melanie, 63, ensured to steal the show in a bejewelled petrol green silky gown, accessorising with a stylish black bag and a pendant necklace Emma Baehr, Executive Director of Awards & Content at BAFTA, said: 'We're delighted that Alan Cumming will be hosting this year's BAFTA Television Awards with P&O Cruises. 'He will definitely bring a playful sense of mischief and fun to the ceremony, so audiences should expect the unexpected at Britain's biggest celebration of TV on Sunday 11 May.' Elsewhere, the nominations for the BAFTA Television Awards 2025 P&O Cruises Memorable Moment Award have been announced. From Gavin and Stacey, to The Traitors and Bridgerton, six of this year's most acclaimed TV shows are set to battle it out for one of the ceremony's biggest accolades. The category is the only award in which the public will be able to have their say and vote for their favourite scene. Last year's BAFTA Television Awards delivered an average audience of 2.7 million on BBC One and iPlayer, whilst social media coverage of the night received over 7 million views. Meanwhile, Netflix phenomenon Baby Reindeer led the pack with an incredible eight nominations after it proved a global success following its release last year In terms of other nominations, Strictly Come Dancing has been snubbed of a nomination for the first time in the show's 20-year history. The BBC favourite had been nominated in the Entertainment Programme category every year since the rebooted version of the show launched in 2004. Meanwhile, Netflix phenomenon Baby Reindeer led the pack with an incredible eight nominations after it proved a global success following its release last year. Richard Gadd who wrote and starred in the series about his own experiences of being stalked is up for Leading Actor, while his co-star Jessica Gunning is in the running for the Supporting Actress award. In the Limited Drama category, Baby Reindeer will face ITV drama Mr Bates vs The Post Office, which was based on one of the greatest miscarriages of justice in British legal history, where hundreds of innocent sub-postmasters and postmistresses were wrongly accused of theft, fraud and false accounting due to a defective IT system. Mr Bates vs The Post Office received a total of six nominations, while Disney series Rivals and Apple TV's Slow Horses also had the same amount of nods. Ant and Dec, The Traitors and Stacey Solomon's Sort Your Life Out are among the nominees for best entertainment performance. The best leading actress nominees are Anna Maxwell Martin (Until I Kill You), Billie Piper (Scoop), Lola Petticrew (Say Nothing), Marisa Abela (Industry), Monica Dolan (Mr Bates vs The Post Office) and Sharon D Clarke (Mr Loverman). David Tennant (Rivals), Gary Oldman (Slow Horses), Lennie James (Mr Loverman), Martin Freeman (The Responder) and Toby Jones (Mr Bates vs The Post Office) take on Gadd for the best actor accolade. A total of 21 out of 44 nominees in the performance categories have received their first BAFTA Television Awards nomination. Soap star Danny Dyer is among the group who have received their first Bafta nomination in the best male comedy performance category for his role in Mr Bigstuff. In the prestigious best drama category, crime dramas Blue Lights and Sherwood will take on superhero series Supacell and acclaimed period drama Wolf Hall: The Mirror and the Light. Jane Millichip, CEO of Bafta, said: '2024 was a standout year for television, testified by the 134 brilliant programmes nominated by BAFTA members. 'The power of television to drive national conversation, to tap into the stories of public interest, and to inspire societal change, is second to none. And to do this through every genre is even more impressive. 'The drama of sport, the truth of fiction, the humanity of documentary, the poignancy of comedy, serious entertainment – this year's nominees reflect every aspect of the human condition. 'UK television is at the top of its game, and it is a privilege at Bafta to showcase the work of our incredibly talented nominees at the Bafta Television Craft Awards and Bafta Television Awards with P&O Cruises. Tune into BBC One and BBC iPlayer on May 11, not only to find out who wins, but to inspire your next watchlist.' And the official wine sponsor of the evening, Casillero del Diablo, will once again be the drink of choice for winners, nominees, celebrities, and VIP guests alike.
