The cast of Gavin & Stacey: Then and now
It's returning at Christmas for the LAST EVER episode
Everyone will be aware that Gavin & Stacey was one of the funniest shows ever to grace our TV screens, so when Ruth Jones and James Corden confirmed that there was going to be another Christmas reunion special of Gavin & Stacey - and the LAST EVER episode - we could barely contain ourselves.
The much-beloved series, which ran from 2007 to 2010, has seen a fair few Christmas specials over the years - notably the 2019 episode which saw the cast reunite for the first time in almost a decade. Ahead of the show's last ever episode (sob), refamiliarise yourself with the cast in our handy guide below.
Check out all of the Gavin and Stacey cast then and now:
James Corden as Smithy: Then
James was already a household name by the time he appeared on our screens as Smithy. Having worked with Ruth Jones on Fat Friends from 2000 to 2005, the pair got their heads together to create the show. James had additionally originated the role of Timms in the original London production of The History Boys in 2004, and also appeared in 2006 film Starter For 10 alongside James McAvoy.
James Corden: Now
As if he wasn't already on a pretty upward trajectory to the spotlight before Gavin & Stacey, his role as Smithy truly catapulted him to fame. Having starred in a number of high profile films like Into the Woods, Trolls and Cats, James hosted his own late night talk show in the US, The Late Late Show with James Corden, from 2015 to 2023.
Ruth Jones as Nessa: Then
Like James, Ruth was a well-known face on British telly by the time Gav and Stace rolled around - having appeared alongside him on Fat Friends plus her time on Little Britain, Steve Coogan's Saxondale and Nighty Night opposite her future Gavin and Stacey co-star, Julia Davis.
Ruth Jones: Now
Post-Barry life was pretty major for Ruth - landing her own seasonal chat show and appearing in plenty of drama series including Torchwood, Marple and Hattie. She also co-created Stella, additionally starring as the titular character which ran for six series. Ruth was appointed an MBE in 2014 for services to entertainment, and even launched a successful career as an author - penning three fiction novels: Never Greener, Us Three and Love Untold.
Joanna Page as Stacey: Then
Joanna had already featured in a major TV drama AND an iconic movie by the time she took on the role of Barry's princess, Stacey - namely the BBC adaptation of David Copperfield which launched the career of Harry Potter star Daniel Radcliffe, as well as Christmas staple, Love Actually. Remember? She's the, er, stunt double who falls for her co-star, played by Martin Freeman.
Joanna Page: Now
As well as appearances on a fair few panel shows as herself, Joanna also gave a pretty memorable performance as Queen Elizabeth I in Doctor Who's 50th anniversary episode, plus a few other small roles on various TV shows. She notably took on the character of Pig on the second series of The Masked Dancer, but was the second famous face to be booted off the series. She joined the Loose Women panel as a regular in 2023, and also starred in TV film Men Up which followed the story of a real-life clinical trial for Viagra in the 90s.
Mathew Horne (Gavin) then
Remember Gavin's weird, weird hair?
Mathew Horne (Gavin) now
Mathew's hair is now considerably more normal. And he's a grown up a lot!
Larry Lamb (Mick) then
"It's the last thing you expect to find when you get to work in the morning".
Larry Lamb (Mick) now
We love Larry Lamb, particularly after his 2016 stint on I'm A Celebrity...
Alison Steadman (Pam) then
We were forever are in love with Pam.
Alison Steadman (Pam) now
Wow! Look how different Pam looks now.
Rob Brydon (Bryn) then
Bryn is forever Uncle goals.
Rob Brydon (Bryn) now
Rob Brydon hasn't changed one bit!
Melanie Walters (Gwen) then
Forever fantasising about Gwen's omelettes.
Melanie Walters (Gwen) now
Melanie often stars in panto and played the fairy godmother at Blackpool's Grand Theatre a few years back.
Steffan Rhodri (Dave Coaches) then
"How's it goin', alrigh'?"
Steffan Rhodri (Dave Coaches) now
LOOK AT DAVE NOW!
Julia Davis (Dawn) then
Dawn and Pete - the ultimate relationship goals
Julia Davis (Dawn) now
Julia Davis still looking amazing!
The Gavin & Stacey Christmas special will air 25th December 2024.
Now read:
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