Crime & Safety
Gavin and Stacey star on ‘unfinished business’ for Nessy and Smithy
Jones and Corden rose to fame as the co-writers of the BBC comedy in which they also played Vanessa “Nessa” Jenkins and Neil “Smithy” Smith, the best friends of the title characters, for three series and three Christmas specials between 2007 and 2024.
Jones, who was in Abingdon in 2023 for a book signing, said she felt there was “unfinished business” between their characters until the last Christmas special, Gavin And Stacey: The Finale, in 2024.
In the episode, Smithy finally decides to marry Nessa after leaving another bride at the altar.
READ MORE: Red Arrows to fly over iconic UK RAF base tomorrow afternoon
Speaking at the Hay Festival on Thursday, Jones said: “I think that we always knew, from the very first scene in Leicester Square where Smithy and Nessa met and instantly hated each other, except they also shared a love of pizza.
“I think we always knew that they would have to get together, that that had to be the actual ending of the show, but we didn’t have time.
“We obviously finished series three with Smithy coming down to Barry and starting to talk like a Barry resident… and obviously Gavin and Stacey were expecting their first child, so we sort of tied that up.
“We kind of suggested that Smithy and Nessa, at that point, had come to some kind of an agreement – a workable relationship – but I think there was always this unfinished business.
“When we got together in 2019 to do the Christmas special, I think originally we’d intended to marry them then, but it was just too much of a story to tell.
“Such a long time had passed, it was 10 years almost since we’d finished it.”
The show’s final episode, which aired on Christmas Day 2024, saw Smithy marry Nessa – which enjoyed huge overnight ratings of 12.3 million.
Jones and Cordon went on to co-write a book about the series titled When Gavin Met Stacey And Everything In Between: A Story Of Love And Friendship.
Jones has also written novels including Never Greener (2018), Love Untold (2022) and By Your Side (2025).
Emergency services were called to a rolled over caravan along the dual carriageway near Oxford on Thursday evening, May 28.
The extent of damage or injuries is not known at this point.
A Thames Valley Police spokesman said: “The A40 between Wheatley and the M40 near Oxford is closed eastbound.
“The carriageway is likely to be closed for a number of hours, so we would advise motorists to avoid the area. Thank you in advance for your cooperation.
“The closure follows a single vehicle collision, which we are investigating.”
The fire service’s spokesman said: “Due to an ongoing incident, the A40 including the Oxford Spur is currently closed in both directions.
“Please expect significant traffic disruption in the area and plan to use an alternative route.”
The Oxford Tube service to and from London has also been affected by the closure, which is now in both directions.
A spokesman said: “Due to an accident the A40 is closed in both directions at Wheatley. All coaches diverting. All stops will be served but we do expect delays. Apologies for any inconvenience.”
The AA is reporting there has been a “rolled over RV”, an American word for a motorhome.
A spokesman said: “Road closed and very slow traffic due to rolled over RV on A40 both ways from B4027 to M40 (Oxford Services / Thame turn off).”
Improvement works to Friars Wharf Playground in South Oxford will begin next week following feedback from residents about the need for more equipment for younger children and a more inviting design.
Councillor Anna Railton, deputy leader, and cabinet member for planning and zero carbon Oxford, said: “I am delighted that works are about to start on the Friars Wharf playground thanks to the generosity of an anonymous private donor.
“There was really positive feedback in the consultation about the new scheme and it will be finished in time for the summer holidays, ready for children both sides of the river to enjoy.”
Planned upgrades include removing the large concrete mound and existing multi-play climber and slide.
Two new multi-play climbers with slides will be installed, one for older children and one for younger children, along with a new swing and a 3m cone net climber suitable for children of different abilities.
Additional seating will also be added.
The improvements have been made possible by a personal donation from a resident wishing to create a legacy in memory of her late daughter.
In tribute, the playground will be renamed Emily’s Playground at Friar’s Wharf.
ODS will carry out ground works, with play area specialists Haggs installing the new equipment.
The playground will be closed from Tuesday, June 2, until Friday, July 3.
The A40 in Oxford has been closed due to a serious crash. Police are on scene
Source link
-
Crime & Safety4 weeks agoMajor UK firm collapses in administration with nearly 700 jobs at risk
-
Crime & Safety2 weeks agoMan arrested in connection with rape in Oxfordshire town
-
Crime & Safety2 weeks agoBanbury woman jailed after lying to police about kidnapped children
-
UK News4 weeks agoWoman murdered sister and took her Rolex watch
-
Crime & Safety2 weeks agoWaitrose supermarkets across UK shut due to ‘critical error’
-
Crime & Safety3 weeks agoHow to spend a day in Harpsden among UK’s poshest villages
-
Crime & Safety3 weeks agoStrictly Come Dancing new hosts reportedly Emma Willis
-
UK News4 weeks agoThousands taking part in Belfast City Marathon