Entertainment

Larry Lamb says Gavin & Stacey Christmas special script made him made him cry


Gavin & Stacey fans have been rejoicing since it was revealed the cast are preparing a Christmas special episode this year, nine years on from the popular comedy’s conclusion.

Larry Lamb paid a visit to the This Morning studios on Wednesday, discussing the ‘poignant’ new script which he admits left him in tears and confessing he never thought the show would return.

The 71-year-old actor, who played Mick Shipman in the BBC show, also confessed he thought show creator and star James Corden – who is now a big name in America, since he began hosting The Late Late Show – was calling him up to invite him to take part in his famous Carpool Karaoke segment instead.

Emotional: Larry Lamb paid a visit to the This Morning studios on Wednesday, discussing the 'poignant' new Gavin & Stacey script which he admits left him in tears

Emotional: Larry Lamb paid a visit to the This Morning studios on Wednesday, discussing the ‘poignant’ new Gavin & Stacey script which he admits left him in tears

Larry joked: ‘It was really odd, all of a sudden I’ve got this LA number on there [his mobile], I answered it, and someone said: “Larry,” I said: “Who is it?”… it was James Corden.

‘I said: “What are you?” On it went for ten minutes. I thought it was Carpool Karaoke, it’s my dream!

‘James said: “I just wanted to know if you’re going to be available in the next little while, it looks like we’re going to be doing a Christmas special.”

‘It’s quite extraordinary and Hollywood-esque, you get this phonecall from a star in La La Land’.

The EastEnders legend admitted he never thought the show would return, and he was happy for it to be left as a short-lived ‘jewel’.

Larry explained: ‘It got to the point I figured it’s left this jewel as it was, they didn’t want to go on, they were only ever going to do one series anyway.’

Co-cretors Corden and Ruth Jones – who wrote and starred in BAFTA Award-winning series, which ran from 2007 to 2010 – have penned a ‘poignant’ script, according to Larry.

‘It’s amazing what him and Ruth have managed to do’, the actor said. ‘I’ve finally read the script, it really got me, I read the first little sequence and just found myself crying.

‘It was like running into someone major in your life, you’re not bothered what they do, it was so poignant. I was immediately into the feel of the whole thing, it just brought me along.’

‘It’s all about this melding of people from different elements of British society, the mindset of people who live in Barry island and mindset of people in Bury, England, that was the strength. That clever thing of bringing them together and mixing them all up.’

Quizzed whether the entire original cast would be back, Larry hinted they would be paying tribute to late actress Margaret John, who passed away in 2011 aged 84, and was beloved for her role as Gwen’s neighbour Doris in Barry.

‘I’m not up to speed with all that… dear old Maggie, who played Doris isn’t there, by the time I read script I thought “My god they managed to do it, managed to do it”, Larry added.

The star hinted filming would be starting shortly, saying: ‘Not too long from now, not too long… it’s going to be extraordinary. It’s all super hush hush.’ 

Gavin & Stacey fans have been rejoicing since it was revealed the cast are preparing a Christmas special episode this year, nine years on from the popular comedy’s conclusion.

Larry Lamb paid a visit to the This Morning studios on Wednesday, discussing the ‘poignant’ new script which he admits left him in tears and confessing he never thought the show would return.

The 71-year-old actor, who played Mick Shipman in the BBC show, also confessed he thought show creator and star James Corden – who is now a big name in America, hosting The Late Late Show – was calling him up to invite him to take part in his famous Carpool Karaoke statement.

Larry joked: ‘It was really odd, all of a sudden I’ve got this LA number on there [his mobile], I answered it, and someone said: “Larry,” I said: “Who is it?”… it was James Corden.

‘I said: “What are you?” On it went for ten minutes. I thought it was Carpool Karaoke, it’s my dream!

‘James said: “I just wanted to know if you’re going to be available in the next little while, it looks like we’re going to be doing a Christmas special.”

‘It’s quite extraordinary and Hollywood-esque, you get this phonecall from a star in La La Land’.

The EastEnders legend admitted he never thought the show would return, and he was happy for it to be left as a short-lived ‘jewel’.

Larry explained: ‘It got to the point I figured it’s left this jewel as it was, they didn’t want to go on, they were only ever going to do one series anyway.’

Co-cretors Corden and Ruth Jones – who wrote and starred in BAFTA Award-winning series, which ran from 2007 to 2010 – have penned a ‘poignant’ script, according to Larry.

‘It’s amazing what him and Ruth have managed to do’, the actor said. ‘I’ve finally read the script, it really got me, I read the first little sequence and just found myself crying.

‘It was like running into someone major in your life, you’re not bothered what they do, it was so poignant. I was immediately into the feel of the whole thing, it just brought me along.’

‘It’s all about this melding of people from different elements of British society, the mindset of people who live in Barry island and mindset of people in Bury, England, that was the strength. That clever thing of bringing them together and mixing them all up.’

Quizzed whether the entire original cast would be back, Larry hinted they would be paying tribute to late actress Margaret John, who passed away in 2011 aged 84, and was beloved for her role as Gwen’s neighbour Doris in Barry.

‘I’m not up to speed with all that… dear old Maggie, who played Doris isn’t there, by the time I read script I thought “My god they managed to do it, managed to do it”, Larry added.

The star hinted filming would be starting shortly, saying: ‘Not too long from now, not too long… it’s going to be extraordinary. It’s all super hush hush.’

Gavin & Stacey is returning to television screens with a brand new episode, nine years after the show concluded on BBC One. 

After years of requests from fans, the beloved sitcom, which starred Mathew Horne and Joanna Page, will return later this year for a Christmas Special and viewers will once again get to hear Nessa’s famous catchphrase: ‘What’s occuring?’  

James Corden, who created the sitcom alongside Ruth Jones, made the announcement in a Twitter statement on Tuesday, sharing a picture of the new script. 

It's back: Gavin & Stacey is returning to television screens with a brand new episode, nine years after the show concluded on BBC One (pictured in a 2007 show still)

It’s back: Gavin & Stacey is returning to television screens with a brand new episode, nine years after the show concluded on BBC One (pictured in a 2007 show still) 

He said: ‘Ruth Jones and I have been keeping this secret for a while… We’re excited to share it with you. See you on Christmas Day ⁦@BBCOne⁩ #GavinandStacey.’  

While in a joint statement, co-creators Ruth and James said: ‘Over the last 10 years we’ve talked a lot about Gavin and Stacey – where they might be today and what their lives might look like.

‘And so in secret we took the plunge and wrote this one-hour special. We’ve loved revisiting Barry and Essex again and bringing the characters back together has been a joy.

‘We’re so excited to get the chance to work with our fabulous cast and crew once more and to give fans of the show a festive treat this Christmas. Thank you BBC for helping to make this happen.’ 

A Christmas miracle: James Corden , who created the sitcom alongside Ruth Jones, made the announcement in a Twitter statement on Tuesday, sharing a picture of the new script

A Christmas miracle: James Corden , who created the sitcom alongside Ruth Jones, made the announcement in a Twitter statement on Tuesday, sharing a picture of the new script

Reunited: After years of requests from fans, the beloved sitcom, which starred Mathew Horne and Joanna Page, will return later this year for a Christmas Special (pictured in a 2007 show still)

Reunited: After years of requests from fans, the beloved sitcom, which starred Mathew Horne and Joanna Page, will return later this year for a Christmas Special (pictured in a 2007 show still) 

Actress Joanna Page, who plays lead character Stacey, tweeted: ‘It’s happening!!! I’m so excited! Can’t wait to get on the slots down Barry again!! #gavinandstacey #christmasspecial #barryisland.’ 

Actor Larry Lamb, who plays Gavin’s father Mick Shipman, also took to Twitter to share his excitement, he said: ‘So it’s official…G&S rides again .. we’re doing a 2019 Christmas special ….a treat for the millions of you who’ve waited so patiently… love to you all ..and Happy Christmas!!!! X.’

He also shared James’ tweet, adding: ‘Absolutely delighted to be able to share this little secret at last !! X.

‘…and try not being able to let this little secret out of the bag since smiffie called from LA about two months ago … I’m going to get a lot of grief from some very dear friends !!! But anyway…..’ 

Leading lady: Actress Joanna Page, who plays lead character Stacey, tweeted: 'It’s happening!!! I’m so excited! Can’t wait to get on the slots down Barry again!!'

Leading lady: Actress Joanna Page, who plays lead character Stacey, tweeted: ‘It’s happening!!! I’m so excited! Can’t wait to get on the slots down Barry again!!’

Sharing his thoughts: Actor Larry Lamb, who plays Gavin's father Mick Shipman (pictured in character, right), also took to Twitter to share his excitement

Sharing his thoughts: Actor Larry Lamb, who plays Gavin’s father Mick Shipman (pictured in character, right), also took to Twitter to share his excitement

Sweet: He also shared James' tweet, adding: 'Absolutely delighted to be able to share this little secret at last !! X.'

Sweet: He also shared James’ tweet, adding: ‘Absolutely delighted to be able to share this little secret at last !! X.’ 

While Rob Brydon, who plays Stacey’s uncle Bryn, also shared James’ tweet as he added: ‘SURPRISE!!! SURPRISE!!! SURPRISE!!! SURPRISE!!! SURPRISE!!! SURPRISE!!! SURPRISE!!!!!!!!’ 

Fans also took to Twitter to share their joy over the return, with one person tweeting: ‘#GavinandStacey There back Christmas Day special,I don’t need any presents Santa, I’ve got mine thanks.’

A different person pointed out that Stacey was pregnant in the last series, they added: ‘OMG, you know house Stacey was pregnant in series 3, HAVE GAVIN AND STACEY NOW GOT A KID?!?!?! #gavinandstacey.’

Another show watcher joked about Uncle Bryn’s mystery fishing trip and whether fans would finally find out what happened, they said: ‘We might finally find out what happened on that fishing trip! #gavinandstacey.’ 

Show watchers: Fans also took to Twitter to share their joy over the return, with some viewers joking viewers might finally discover what happened during Uncle Bryn's mystery fishing trip

Show watchers: Fans also took to Twitter to share their joy over the return, with some viewers joking viewers might finally discover what happened during Uncle Bryn’s mystery fishing trip 

A different fan put: ‘Only news of a #gavinandstacey reboot can cause “Christmas Day” to start trending in May.’ 

While another show watcher added: ‘Gavin and Stacey coming back may have been the earliest and best Christmas gift possible. Enough said! #gavinandstacey #christmas #JamesCorden @JKCorden.’ 

Gavin & Stacey broadcast over three series (plus a Christmas special) from 2007 to 2010 on the BBC. 

The show’s 2010 New Year’s Day finale had record ratings for the series with 10.25M viewers. 

Uncle Bryn: While Rob Brydon, who plays Stacey's uncle Bryn, also shared James' tweet as he added: 'SURPRISE!!! SURPRISE!!! SURPRISE!!! SURPRISE!!! SURPRISE!!! SURPRISE!!! SURPRISE!!!!!!!!'

Uncle Bryn: While Rob Brydon, who plays Stacey’s uncle Bryn, also shared James’ tweet as he added: ‘SURPRISE!!! SURPRISE!!! SURPRISE!!! SURPRISE!!! SURPRISE!!! SURPRISE!!! SURPRISE!!!!!!!!’

Tragic: Gavin & Stacey also featured flirtatious pensioner, Doris, with actress Margaret John tragically passing in 2011 aged 84 after a short illness (pictured in 2010)

Tragic: Gavin & Stacey also featured flirtatious pensioner, Doris, with actress Margaret John tragically passing in 2011 aged 84 after a short illness (pictured on the show during its run)

Tragic: Gavin & Stacey also featured flirtatious pensioner, Doris, with actress Margaret John tragically passing in 2011 aged 84 after a short illness (pictured in 2010, left, and on the show during its run, right) 

The sitcom followed the story of Gavin (Mathew Horne), an ordinary boy from Essex in England and Stacey (Joanna Page), an ordinary girl from Barry in Wales, who spoke on the phone every day at work, they finally met, fell in love and got married. 

The pair were joined by best friends Nessa (Ruth Jones) and Smithy (James Corden) as they navigated the trials and tribulations of marriage. 

The beloved series also starred Rob Brydon as Bryn (Stacey’s uncle), Melanie Walters as Gwen West (Stacey’s mother), Larry Lamb and Alison Steadman as Mick and Pam, (Gavin’s parents), while Sheridan Smith played Smithy’s sister Ruth ‘Rudi’ Smith. 

Creators: James said: 'Ruth Jones and I have been keeping this secret for a while... We’re excited to share it with you. See you on Christmas Day ⁦@BBCOne⁩ #GavinandStacey.' (pictured in 2008)

Creators: James said: ‘Ruth Jones and I have been keeping this secret for a while… We’re excited to share it with you. See you on Christmas Day ⁦@BBCOne⁩ #GavinandStacey.’ (pictured in 2008) 

Gavin & Stacey also featured flirtatious pensioner, Doris, with actress Margaret John tragically passing in 2011 aged 84 after a short illness. 

Charlotte Moore, Director of BBC Content, said about the announcement: ‘Everyone at the BBC is hugely excited to be welcoming back Gavin and Stacey to BBC One this Christmas.    

‘We can’t wait to see what’s happened to everyone over the last nine years, and what’s next for one of the nation’s favourite comedy families.’ 

Legendary: During an interview in April 2018, Ruth told Lorraine Kelly that she and James, enjoyed reminiscing about where the character's would be now, giving hope that they could bring the show back (pictured in 2007 as their characters)

Legendary: During an interview in April 2018, Ruth told Lorraine Kelly that she and James, enjoyed reminiscing about where the character’s would be now, giving hope that they could bring the show back (pictured in 2007 as their characters) 

Series three ended with Smithy stopping Nessa and Dave’s wedding ceremony while Stacey discovered that she is pregnant. 

It concluded with the foursome together six months later on Barry’s beach, with Stacey displaying a baby bump. 

During an interview in April 2018, Ruth told Lorraine Kelly that she and James, most famous for playing Smithy and Nessa on the show, enjoyed reminiscing about where the character’s would be now, giving hope that they could bring the show back.

Parents: The beloved series also starred Rob Brydon as Bryn (Stacey's uncle) and Larry Lamb and Alison Steadman as Mick and Pam, Gavin's parents (pictured together)

Parents: The beloved series also starred Rob Brydon as Bryn (Stacey’s uncle) and Larry Lamb and Alison Steadman as Mick and Pam, Gavin’s parents (pictured together) 

Ruth said: ‘James Corden and I were talking about the characters and we said we think Neil, [the baby], is about 11-years-old… Nessa is training him down the slots. 

‘She’s training him in the art of the dodgy grabber machine and how to weight the two pences.’    

Lorraine said: ‘We did a thing where we looked what he might look like now,’ as she showed a mocked up image of Neil.

A love story: The sitcom followed the story of Gavin (Mathew Horne), an ordinary boy from Essex in England and Stacey (Joanna Page), an ordinary girl from Barry in Wales, who spoke on the phone every day at work, they finally met, fell in love and got married

A love story: The sitcom followed the story of Gavin (Mathew Horne), an ordinary boy from Essex in England and Stacey (Joanna Page), an ordinary girl from Barry in Wales, who spoke on the phone every day at work, they finally met, fell in love and got married

Ruth noted: ‘There’s a bit of James Corden in there. I think you should add a few earrings, and maybe a tattoo on his forehead.’ 

However, in 2016, James had told Radio Times: ‘I can promise you absolutely that there are no plans to make one [a one-off special].’ 

While in 2018 he told BANG Showbiz: ‘It’s very flattering that you would still want such a thing. I can’t imagine that would be the case. 

‘I hope to work with Ruth again for sure. Whether that would be on Gavin and Stacey I really couldn’t say. 

Popular: Gavin & Stacey broadcast over three series (plus a Christmas special) from 2007 to 2010 on the BBC

Popular: Gavin & Stacey broadcast over three series (plus a Christmas special) from 2007 to 2010 on the BBC

‘We would be so conscious of trying not to ruin something that we know means a lot to people. But we would never say never.’ 

In 2017, Larry Lamb had said that there was a ‘distinct possibility’ that Gavin & Stacey could return, hinting it could even be a movie rather than a TV series.

He said: ‘I don’t think anybody that was in it would ever say no to it.  

‘I think it’s highly unlikely that they’ll ever make another television series of Gavin & Stacey.’

Friendship: After Gavin and Stacey, James and Mathew went on to be panned by critics for their own sitcom Horne and Corden and movie Lesbian Vampire Killers, the two then went on to not 'speak for a few months' (pictured in 2007)

Friendship: After Gavin and Stacey, James and Mathew went on to be panned by critics for their own sitcom Horne and Corden and movie Lesbian Vampire Killers, the two then went on to not ‘speak for a few months’ (pictured in 2007) 

He continued: ‘I think it’s a distinct possibility that one day, they might make a film, that’s it. That’s purely conjecture… It’s got a huge audience, so I’m sure that’s what they’ll do.’

After Gavin and Stacey, James and Mathew went on to be panned by critics for their own sitcom Horne and Corden and movie Lesbian Vampire Killers, the two then went on to not ‘speak for a few months’.   

Speaking candidly to The Times in 2013, Mathew said: ‘I didn’t have the personality to deal with it. Didn’t have the skin to deal with it. James is very good at absorbing all the negativity he got and still gets. But whereas he was able to advance, I retreated.’

He added: ‘We’re still friends. I still talk to him all the time. But I don’t think we’re necessarily seen as the same thing any more. There is a disassociation that’s healthy.’

Candid: Talking about their friendship to The Times in 2013, Mathew said: 'We’re still friends. I still talk to him all the time. But I don’t think we’re necessarily seen as the same thing any more. There is a disassociation that’s healthy.' (pictured in 2009)

Candid: Talking about their friendship to The Times in 2013, Mathew said: ‘We’re still friends. I still talk to him all the time. But I don’t think we’re necessarily seen as the same thing any more. There is a disassociation that’s healthy.’ (pictured in 2009) 

On-off: James pursued an on-off romance with co-star Sheridan Smith (pictured together in 2009), who played his on-screen sister Ruth 'Rudi' Smith, he is now married to Julia Carey

On-off: James pursued an on-off romance with co-star Sheridan Smith (pictured together in 2009), who played his on-screen sister Ruth ‘Rudi’ Smith, he is now married to Julia Carey

He added: ‘It upsets me because I don’t have anything bad to say about him. Because I will work with him again and because we are mates.’

James pursued an on-off romance with co-star Sheridan Smith, who played his on-screen sister, during the show, she is now engaged to Jamie Horn while James is married to Julia Carey – they have three children together. 

The actor has gone on to find further success in the US with his The Late Late Show with James Corden, creating his own spin-off Carpool Karaoke which has featured Paul McCartney, Michelle Obama and Adele.  

Further details will be announced in due course. 

Star-studded cast: Sheridan pictured as Ruth 'Rudi' Smith in the award-winning comedy show

Star-studded cast: Sheridan pictured as Ruth ‘Rudi’ Smith in the award-winning comedy show 

Gavin and Stacey’s best quotes  

Pam on Mick’s VERY short-lived television appearance after being interviewed on the news: ‘Mick’s gonna be on the telly, Stacey! Mick’s gonna be on the telly!’  

Smithy’s extravagant takeaway order: ‘Chicken bhuna, lamb bhuna, prawn bhuna, mushroom rice, bag of chips, keema naan and nine poppadoms…’, although he didn’t take too kindly to everyone suggesting they share it.

He added: ‘Woah, right, what is it about a group of people ordering an Indian or a Chinese that it’s somehow unacceptable to eat your own food you order yourself, why do we have to…?’ 

Dawn on her love-hate relationship with husband Peter: ‘Well excuse me if I’ve forgotten what romance looks like, you pathetic lump of s**t!’

Pam serving some serious shade: ‘Not being funny you need to get a life, what you said just then was really boring!’ 

Stacey on announcing her pregnancy: ‘I’m pregnant,’ to which Gavin replied: ‘My b***s work!’ 

Uncle Bryn discovering the Internet: ‘Worldwide web. I like it, like a spider. Hey, that’s the ticket, that’s brilliant, you’ve got it. First class, that is!’  



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