Mathew Horne and Joanna Page, the actors behind the beloved British television couple Gavin and Stacey, have shared insights into the show's enduring popularity and the instant connection that defined their on-screen relationship. The series, created by Ruth Jones and James Corden, followed an Essex boy and a Welsh girl whose love story captured the hearts of the nation.
Recalling their first meeting for the pilot episode, Page described initial nerves about reading with Horne, whom she knew from 'The Catherine Tate Show'. "I was quite nervous because I knew he was the fella off Catherine Tate and I thought he would be quite cool. But he was really lovely and we clicked and did some scenes together," Page said. Horne admitted that their first scene together involved a kiss, noting, "In one of the scenes we had to kiss. It was quite bold of them! You wouldn’t have that now – you’d have an intimacy coordinator." Page added, "I’m just like: ‘Oh hi, I’m Jo, nice to meet you.’ Then two minutes later, we’re kissing." Horne speculated that the kiss might have broken the ice, acknowledging Page's Rada training and his own awareness of her as a "proper actor." Page also humorously recalled her initial impression of Horne, thinking, "Oh God, he sounds a bit of a knob… I’m not even wearing the right clothes!" Horne quipped, "You immediately walked into toxic masculinity." Page responded, "I did. And then I was made to kiss you."
Page attributed the couple's appeal to an "instinctive" and "massive big explosion of love at first." She explained that Gavin offered Stacey a sense of safety and stability, which was particularly important given her reliance on Uncle Bryn after her father's absence. "I think that stability of a safe, happy marriage is what Stacey was really looking for," Page said. Horne emphasized that their connection was primarily emotional, not based on superficial factors like a dating app profile or a bar encounter. "When they met, he’d almost already made the decision that this was the one. As human beings, we do strive for that," he commented.
The actors also reminisced about specific moments from the show. Horne fondly remembered the 2019 Christmas special scene where Stacey gave Gavin a beer mat on Barry promenade. "There was something really reassuring about it because we’d come back together after 10 years and it was a really intimate, tender moment – but on Barry promenade with thousands of people around at 1am," he stated. Page cherished the simpler scenes, like Gavin and Stacey sharing a bag of chips, describing them as "very beautiful." She also enjoyed their arguments and reconciliations, citing the first series episode where Gavin confronts Stacey about her past engagements. "It’s really good fun doing those scenes – passionate, exciting, romantic and ‘Oh my God, what’s gonna happen?’" she said.
A particularly poignant storyline for both actors was the episode where Gavin and Stacey faced the possibility of not being able to have children. "But, oh my gosh, a beautiful moment was when we come away from the doctor and think that we can’t have children," Page recalled. Horne described it as a "really, really wonderful" storyline that resonated with many couples. He admitted that he hadn't fully understood the emotional weight of such a situation until he had children himself. Page added, "It’s not until you do have children that you really understand how awful a situation that is to go through."
The show's relatable nature has led many viewers to identify with the couple. "I have so many people coming up to me and saying: ‘We are the real-life Gavin and Stacey.’ The show, when you think about it, is quite traditional. It’s just two normal families – well, aside from Nessa. But people from all walks of life have got into it because they’re just like: ‘I want a relationship like this; I want to meet the one,’" Page explained. Actress Anna Maxwell Martin, who appeared in the finale, reportedly told James Corden that she couldn't think of a better representation of love, friendship, and family.
When discussing romance, Page described herself as "incredibly romantic," focusing on deep emotional connection rather than material gestures. "When I fall in love, I will give you everything. I’ll give my entire being! I just want to talk and get everything out of you and give everything to you and go on a massive, huge, big, amazing adventure together," she enthused. Horne agreed, stating, "Being heard, being listened to and being made to feel safe are about as romantic as it gets. Maybe that’s something I’ve only acknowledged as I’ve got older."
Both actors expressed gratitude for being part of a show that has had a significant impact on viewers. "It’s a real privilege to have been part of something that can affect people like that. Being part of a piece of entertainment that has helped people in their lives is phenomenal," Horne said. Page shared anecdotes of fans' dedication, including receiving laminated photos of Stacey and encountering a man who had Smithy's curry order tattooed on his stomach. "I witnessed it! It was just above his belly button: James’s face and the whole order. It did make me feel quite jealous because I don’t think anybody’s ever tattooed my face on them," she remarked.
Horne highlighted the unique bond he shares with Page, forged by their shared experience of portraying Gavin and Stacey and navigating public life. "We couldn’t have been anything other than the closest of friends. Only Jo and I know what it feels like to be Gavin and Stacey. Even our partners don’t know. So, we naturally have a unique bond, having been thrust into the public eye, which has brought with it huge highs and some challenges as well. Having support from somebody who knows exactly what it feels like has been something I will always cherish," he stated. Page echoed this sentiment, reflecting on their journey since their late twenties. "We went into this job, my gosh, when we were in our late 20s and it was a huge whirlwind. It was my first job where it was a big leading role. And then to be working with Mat, there was chemistry and it always just felt right. Everything just felt so natural," she said. She added that Horne's calmness and humour continue to make her feel safe, even as they navigate their 40s.
The actors have kept mementos from the show. Horne has his read-through script and the beer mat from the 2019 special, which he treasures. Page kept Stacey's denim jacket, her yellow dress, a painting from the character's living room, and a distinctive purple glass chicken. "And then this weird purple glass chicken thing, which is on my bookcase downstairs, because I thought I just need that chicken," she explained.
Ultimately, Page believes the show's message is about the nature of finding love. "There’s no point in worrying about finding love or trying to be something that somebody else wants you to be. Gavin and Stacey were completely themselves. (I mean, Stacey was lying a bit, wasn’t she? Aside from that … ) I think it teaches you that love is there and it’s not something you really go looking for," she concluded.
After three hit series, the final Christmas special was one of the most watched scripted TV shows of the century. And it still has a hold on people across the world: Margot Robbie recently declared the show her favourite, and recalled raving about it to Bette Midler in a restaurant – then sending Midler the DVD collection.
MH: Maybe after this interview is published, Jo. There’ll be a Guardian reader out there.
