Gavin and Stacey star “disappointed” not to be asked back for show return

As a huge fan of “Gavin & Stacey,” I was thrilled to hear about the upcoming Christmas special after that heart-stopping cliffhanger in 2019. The thought of revisiting my favorite characters and seeing what’s next for them filled me with excitement. So, when I read that Oscar Hartland, who played Neil, wasn’t asked back to reprise his role, I was genuinely disappointed.


As a gamer, I’d put it this way: I was really looking forward to being part of the Gavin & Stacey Christmas special this year. But unfortunately, I didn’t receive an invitation from the producers. I’m feeling a bit bummed out about it, as I enjoyed working on the show and was hoping to reprise my role.

The beloved TV series is set to make a comeback this year with a single episode, leaving audiences excited to discover the outcome following the suspenseful cliffhanger in the 2019 finale.

In the third season of “Gavin & Stacey,” Hartland took on the roles of Neil, played by James Corden as Smithy’s and Nessa’s (Ruth Jones) young son, appearing in four episodes. Later, he reappeared in the 2019 special.

“I’m disappointed. I was hoping to get the call,” Hartland told The Sun.

Gavin and Stacey star "disappointed" not to be asked back for show return

In the last episode, Neil should make an appearance since he is the son of Smithy and Nessa, making it unlikely for them to exclude him from the storyline. Neil would be fifteen years old, just like me.

Although he didn’t come back for the show, the actor expressed his affection for it in 2019, stating, “I truly enjoyed being part of the production as baby Neil, even if I don’t recall my initial tenure due to my young age.”

It was enjoyable for me to go back to work at the age of 10, despite having to take a month off from school. During that time, I worked primarily with Ruth, and our interactions were fantastic. She made the experience even better for me.

“She was my on-screen mum and my off-screen mum too. She really looked after me.”

Gavin and Stacey star "disappointed" not to be asked back for show return

Although nothing has been said so far, Hartland expressed his continued optimism that he may still be contacted for the role of Neil.

He shared that they finished filming the Christmas Special in August, implying they weren’t too far off from completion. However, he cautioned that the script was tightly guarded and not even Joanna Page, who portrays Stacey, knows where the plot is heading.

I’m thrilled to have one final opportunity to embody Neil in this episode. It’s a bittersweet feeling knowing that there won’t be any more instalments after this. Yet, I’m grateful for this chance to bring closure to a beloved series that has captured hearts for over seventeen years.

Gavin and Stacey star "disappointed" not to be asked back for show return

Back in May, it was announced that the 2024 special would take place, and more recently, James Corden shared that production is set to begin in early autumn.

He mentioned on BBC Radio 2 Breakfast Show with Zoe Ball last month that they plan to film around September or October. It will be a close call to complete and deliver the project on time.

Corden mentioned that him and his co-writer Jones still need to do some editing and modifications to the script. However, he expressed his eagerness to present it to an audience.

You can find and watch the first three seasons of “Gavin & Stacey” on BBC iPlayer. The upcoming “Gavin & Stacey” Christmas special in 2024 will be broadcast on Christmas Day on both BBC One and BBC iPlayer.

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2024-07-16 15:50

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