Joanna Page reveals filming last scenes of Gavin and Stacey Christmas Special was ‘traumatic’ as she opens up about ‘very emotional’ final hours on set

Joanna Page reveals filming last scenes of Gavin and Stacey Christmas Special was 'traumatic' as she opens up about 'very emotional' final hours on set

As a devoted Gavin & Stacey fan for over a decade, I can wholeheartedly say that the impending finale has left me in a state of sheer anticipation and nostalgic melancholy. The behind-the-scenes glimpses of the cast filming on the iconic Trinity Street have only served to heighten my excitement, as if I’ve been given a sneak peek into a secret world that I’ve longed to be a part of.

Joanna Page has shared that the last day of filming for the Gavin and Stacey Christmas special was a challenging, emotional experience for her as she discussed the impactful final day on set.

This year on Christmas Day, the final episode will be broadcast as a 90-minute special, wrapping up the series, following requests from the show’s enthusiasts who wanted closure to the storyline.

Audience members eagerly anticipate that the upcoming episode will bring closure to various plot points, such as the development of Smithy and Nessa’s romantic relationship, and also reveal the outcome of Bryn and Jason’s fishing expedition.

In a recent interview, the Welsh actress, now 47 years old and known for her role as Stacey Shipman in the award-winning television show, disclosed that shooting the final episode brought on fits of both hysterical crying and laughter.

Joanna shared that saying goodbye on set for the final time with everyone on the last day was emotionally challenging. She felt tears welling up in her eyes as soon as she stepped onto the set.

Joanna Page reveals filming last scenes of Gavin and Stacey Christmas Special was 'traumatic' as she opens up about 'very emotional' final hours on set

Joanna Page reveals filming last scenes of Gavin and Stacey Christmas Special was 'traumatic' as she opens up about 'very emotional' final hours on set

I caught sight of Steve, our lead director, which set off a wave of tears. Then I spotted Sophie Hebron, our second director, and I cried again. Overwhelmed by emotions, I retreated to my trailer where Julia Davis joined me, and I couldn’t stop crying as it felt like an immense chapter in my life was closing.

‘So I found it very emotional but then in between that, hysterically funny, because the last scene we filmed was a funny one, so I just alternated between hysterically crying and hysterically laughing.’

As we wrapped up shooting, a feeling of tranquility suddenly enveloped me during our final take.

Reflecting on the moment, I recall standing there and surveying everyone and their expressions. A peaceful smile graced my lips as I mused internally, ‘Wonder what a journey it has been, to reach this point together.’

In the end, I spoke my final words exactly how I desired and felt compelled to do so. When they exclaimed “That’s a wrap!” and applauded us farewell, I embraced Mat, and we both stood there in tears.

Following the wrap-up of shooting, Joanna shared that she was able to keep a significant part of her on-screen persona Stacey with her off-set.

She said: ‘I have definitely snuck some memorabilia home, I have got all of Stacey’s costume from the final episode, all of her shoes and her jewellery. 

Additionally, I brought a painting in a frame home from Stacey and Gwen’s residence, and I also picked up a decorative duck ornament that was on Stacey’s sideboard in their living room.

Joanna Page reveals filming last scenes of Gavin and Stacey Christmas Special was 'traumatic' as she opens up about 'very emotional' final hours on set
Joanna Page reveals filming last scenes of Gavin and Stacey Christmas Special was 'traumatic' as she opens up about 'very emotional' final hours on set
Joanna Page reveals filming last scenes of Gavin and Stacey Christmas Special was 'traumatic' as she opens up about 'very emotional' final hours on set

The filming for the final episode of the series started on September 2, and ever since then, the cast has been seen at various spots, with Barry Island in Wales being one of them, a place renowned for its role in the beloved sitcom.

It seems one significant development revolves around Nessa’s upcoming wedding, potentially resolving the suspense left by the end of the 2019 special.

Stars Ruth Jones and James Corden were said to be filming scenes for a wedding in October.

Nevertheless, it remains unconfirmed by the actors whether Smithy and Nessa will truly receive a happy ending as suggested in the storyline.

Recently, it was announced that the cast has wrapped up shooting scenes on iconic Trinity Street, serving as the picturesque setting for the residences of characters Stacey, Gavin, Gwen (her mother), and Bryn (her uncle).

Ruth explained to the fans that since we’ve been inside, you haven’t seen anything new because of our indoor activities. This demonstrates your dedication as true enthusiasts of the show. We hope you won’t be let down on Christmas Day when everything will finally be unveiled,” Ruth shared with fans.

Here’s our goodbye to Barry and Trinity Street. We won’t be around here anymore, as this chapter of our journey has come to an end after 17 incredible years. It’s been a truly fantastic experience!

James added: ‘Thank you very much to everyone, we’ll see you soon.’ 

Since then, Ruth shared with The Big Issue: “You may not anticipate how this ending unfolds. I assure you, we won’t return in any capacity.

Joanna Page reveals filming last scenes of Gavin and Stacey Christmas Special was 'traumatic' as she opens up about 'very emotional' final hours on set

James commented: “On Christmas Day, you’ll witness the conclusion of a 20-year romance tale, one that I hope demonstrates, in no uncertain terms, that love can be intricate, tangled, and universal.

It will be the first episode of the BBC sitcom since the last Christmas special in 2019.

In that breathtaking episode that left 12 million of us spellbound, I found myself hanging onto every second, my heart pounding as Nessa got down on one knee, her gaze filled with anticipation. She was proposing, and the suspense was palpable!

The story revolves around the highs and lows of Gavin and Stacey’s long-distance romance, as he resides with his family in Billericay, Essex, while she lives on Barry Island.

Eventually, the duo tie the knot, meanwhile, Smithy and Nessa’s closest companions welcome a baby boy named Neil. He’s currently 15 years old and set to make an appearance in the last installment of the series as well.

On Christmas Day, you can catch the finale of Gavin & Stacey at 9pm on BBC One and iPlayer, and on New Year’s Day at 7pm, don’t miss Gavin & Stacey: A Fond Farewell also on BBC One and iPlayer.

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2024-12-10 03:18

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