Tuesday, November 12, 2024

Gavin & Stacey filming! Nessa is back in her trademark leather waistcoat as she and Smithy are FINALLY reunited alongside her BFF Stacey

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The Gavin & Stacey cast were seen on set for the first time as filming for the Christmas Day special got under way on Monday. 

Nessa Jenkins, played by Ruth Jones, 57, was back in her trademark leather waistcoat and has a new business venture. 

The best friend of Stacey Shipman was seen carting passengers on Barry Island in a rickshaw – and she was finally reunited with Neil ‘Smithy’ Smith, who was wearing a wedding ring. 

But James Corden, who portrays Nessa’s on-off love interest in the hit BBC sitcom, was directing the scenes rather than in character and so it is most likely his own, from his marriage to Julia Carey. 

The actor and co-creator of the beloved comedy, 46, appeared in high spirits as he arrived at the sea front along with Stacey herself, played by Joanna Page.

The Gavin & Stacey cast were seen on set for the first time as filming for the Christmas Day special got under way on Monday

The best friend of Stacey Shipman was finally reunited with Smithy

The best friend of Stacey Shipman was finally reunited with Smithy 

The two co-creators were seen chatting on the set of the beloved returning sitcom

The two co-creators were seen chatting on the set of the beloved returning sitcom

Nessa Jenkins, played by Ruth Jones, was back in her trademark leather waistcoat and has a new a business venture

Nessa Jenkins, played by Ruth Jones, was back in her trademark leather waistcoat and has a new a business venture

Stacey, played by Joanna Page was also there too, as she and Ruth giggled together during takes

Stacey, played by Joanna Page was also there too, as she and Ruth giggled together during takes 

Joanna donned a floral summer dress for the scenes, showing off her legs and fringed brown boots

Joanna donned a floral summer dress for the scenes, showing off her legs and fringed brown boots

She also sported a denim jacket and a tiny grey handbag as she transformed into her character

She also sported a denim jacket and a tiny grey handbag as she transformed into her character

When filming started, James was fully focused on the camera screen to ensure his vision for the last ever episode of Gavin & Stacey comes to life. 

With his notes in hand, James appeared at one point to give Ruth some advice on how he wanted the scene to pan out. 

Nessa’s new job as a rickshaw driver follows her varied career – from working at the SH Amusements arcade, to being a news producer for the BBC. 

She has previous driving experience, having worked as a driver for Gladys Knight and the Pips, The Who and Eddie Stobart. 

Before filming, Ruth had lunch at Mr Villa’s fish and chip shop and posed for a photo with a fan who worked behind the counter. 

The BBC also shared a picture of the clapperboard with the first take on to mark the momentous moment and wrote: ‘Oh. My. Christ. The final episode of Gavin & Stacey started filming today. Truth be told, we’re a little bit excited.’ 

James, meanwhile, sent Gavin & Stacey fans wild with excitement as he shared a snap from the first day of filming for the highly-anticipated return of the sitcom.

The actor and co-creator of the beloved comedy took to his Instagram to post a behind-the-scenes photo from the set, as he confirmed shooting was underway.

Nessa was seen carting passengers on Barry Island in a rickshaw

Nessa was seen carting passengers on Barry Island in a rickshaw 

The fan-favourite and well-known tough character was seen transporting a number of passengers single-handedly

The fan-favourite and well-known tough character was seen transporting a number of passengers single-handedly 

But James Corden, who portrays her love interest in the hit BBC sitcom, was directing the scenes rather than in character

But James Corden, who portrays her love interest in the hit BBC sitcom, was directing the scenes rather than in character

The last episode in 2019 ended with Nessa getting down on one knee to propose to Smithy, but viewers never got to hear his response

The last episode in 2019 ended with Nessa getting down on one knee to propose to Smithy, but viewers never got to hear his response

Joanna looked delighted to be back to doing what she loves best

Joanna looked delighted to be back to doing what she loves best 

At one point she took the opportunity to climb into Nessa's rickshaw for a ride

At one point she took the opportunity to climb into Nessa’s rickshaw for a ride

The comedian looked focused as he reviewed the footage to ensure they had the perfect shot

The comedian looked focused as he reviewed the footage to ensure they had the perfect shot 

Ruth had donned Nessa's signature black wig, hoop earrings and dragon tattoo

Ruth had donned Nessa’s signature black wig, hoop earrings and dragon tattoo 

Ruth disappeared into Nessa, sporting a denim skirt over black lace tights

 Ruth disappeared into Nessa, sporting a denim skirt over black lace tights

Her costume also included a lace strappy top, with her hot pink bra peeking out underneath

Nessa's look was capped off with knee high black boots and a pair of leather fingerless gloves

Nessa’s look was capped off with knee high black boots and a pair of leather fingerless gloves

Ruth shared a laugh with the cinematographer as she filmed the cycling scenes

Ruth shared a laugh with the cinematographer as she filmed the cycling scenes

In Nessa's classic bizarre style, Ruth was also seen blowing on a harmonica as she rode

In Nessa’s classic bizarre style, Ruth was also seen blowing on a harmonica as she rode

The crew watched the cameras closely, with James concentrating as filming started

The crew watched the cameras closely, with James concentrating as filming started

Joanna got into character as Stacey as the cameras surrounded the rickshaw

Joanna got into character as Stacey as the cameras surrounded the rickshaw

Joanna and Ruth filmed scenes together outside with Stacey carrying her trusty Boots bag

Joanna and Ruth filmed scenes together outside with Stacey carrying her trusty Boots bag 

The sound operators used boom microphones to ensure they captured all of the witty dialogue

The sound operators used boom microphones to ensure they captured all of the witty dialogue

It's clear the ladies are the best of friends as they caught up between takes

It’s clear the ladies are the best of friends as they caught up between takes 

The onscreen BFFs erupted into laughter as they filmed on the street

The onscreen BFFs erupted into laughter as they filmed on the street 

They were seen leaning over the railings to talk to the crew below

They were seen leaning over the railings to talk to the crew below

Putting on Stacey's famous sunshine demeanor, Joanna waved to those below

Putting on Stacey’s famous sunshine demeanor, Joanna waved to those below

The shot showed the side of James’ character Neil ‘Smithy’ Smith’s iconic blue Volvo, which he uses to advertise his builder and decorator services.

Writing on the window read: ‘Smithy’s: If your husband won’t do it – I will… Tilin, Roofin, Plasterin, & Feng Shui. Call me on 07700978978’.

Captioning the teasing shot, James wrote: ‘Day 1. Here we go x’ as his followers went wild in the comments, declaring: ‘This is history’.

They wrote: ‘All these years, you’d have thought smithy would get a new car. Can’t wait though, more excited for this than Christmas itself’.

‘Screw the fishing trip, screw the wedding, let’s just have the best Christmas special for the ages!! Forget Oasis, THIS IS HISTORY; This means another rewatch.’

Meanwhile, Ruth transformed into Nessa to say her goodbyes to Sister Act The Musical, following her turn as Mother Superior at London’s Dominion Theatre.

The actress, 57, joined the star-studded cast of the hit West End show in March, and went on to extend her run, taking to the stage for the final time last month.

And as she was lauded by her co-stars, Ruth treated the audience of her last show to visit from fan-favourite, Nessa, and teased the highly-anticipated return of Gavin & Stacey.

Nessa's new job as a rickshaw driver follows her varied career - from working at the SH Amusements arcade, to being a news producer for the BBC

Nessa’s new job as a rickshaw driver follows her varied career – from working at the SH Amusements arcade, to being a news producer for the BBC

She has previous driving experience, having worked as a driver for Gladys Knight and the Pips, The Who and Eddie Stobart

She has previous driving experience, having worked as a driver for Gladys Knight and the Pips, The Who and Eddie Stobart

Co-creator, director and star James appeared in high spirits as he arrived at the sea front

Co-creator, director and star James appeared in high spirits as he arrived at the sea front

James appeared at one point to give Ruth some advice on how he wanted the scene to pan out

James appeared at one point to give Ruth some advice on how he wanted the scene to pan out

The former late night host was also spotted catching up with his leading lady between takes

The former late night host was also spotted catching up with his leading lady between takes

Joanna had a fit of the giggles while chatting to the comedy writer

Joanna had a fit of the giggles while chatting to the comedy writer

In July, James gave a major Gavin & Stacey update as he appeared on Capital Breakfast radio, revealing that the final script was almost ready to go

In July, James gave a major Gavin & Stacey update as he appeared on Capital Breakfast radio, revealing that the final script was almost ready to go

The last Christmas Day special set ratings records and became the most-viewed non-sporting event in a decade and most-watched comedy in 17 years

The last Christmas Day special set ratings records and became the most-viewed non-sporting event in a decade and most-watched comedy in 17 years

Fans have been clamoring to know the answers to the show's biggest questions such as Smithy's answer to Nessa's proposal and what happened on the fishing trip

Fans have been clamoring to know the answers to the show’s biggest questions such as Smithy’s answer to Nessa’s proposal and what happened on the fishing trip

Rob Brydon previously revealed he was 'moved to tears' when he saw the script and said the episode was going to be very 'emotional'

Rob Brydon previously revealed he was ‘moved to tears’ when he saw the script and said the episode was going to be very ’emotional’

He revealed the cast knew the show was returning but had to keep it a secret until everything was organised and the script finished

He revealed the cast knew the show was returning but had to keep it a secret until everything was organised and the script finished

He admitted: 'So you have to lie to people! It's a horrible feeling, because you don't want to lie to somebody right in the face'

He admitted: ‘So you have to lie to people! It’s a horrible feeling, because you don’t want to lie to somebody right in the face’

Before filming, Ruth had lunch at Mr Villa's fish and chip shop

Before filming, Ruth had lunch at Mr Villa’s fish and chip shop

The BBC began filming for the Christmas Day special on Monday

The BBC began filming for the Christmas Day special on Monday 

James previously took to his Instagram to post a behind-the-scenes photo from the set, showing the side of his character Smithy's iconic blue Volvo

James previously took to his Instagram to post a behind-the-scenes photo from the set, showing the side of his character Smithy’s iconic blue Volvo

 

Confirming shooting was underway, James captioned the teasing shot: 'Day 1. Here we go x'

Confirming shooting was underway, James captioned the teasing shot: ‘Day 1. Here we go x’

Meanwhile, Ruth transformed into Nessa to say her goodbyes to Sister Act The Musical, following her turn as Mother Superior at London's Dominion Theatre

Meanwhile, Ruth transformed into Nessa to say her goodbyes to Sister Act The Musical, following her turn as Mother Superior at London’s Dominion Theatre 

Her co-star Lesley Joseph made a speech to send her off, saying: 'Ruth has led this company so superbly and it's a joy to perform with her, not just on stage but offstage - the generosity, the wonderful witness, the fun'

Her co-star Lesley Joseph made a speech to send her off, saying: ‘Ruth has led this company so superbly and it’s a joy to perform with her, not just on stage but offstage – the generosity, the wonderful witness, the fun’

Causing the audience to erupt into cheers, Lesley then teased: 'The only positive thing about the fact that Ruth leaves the convent is that we know where she's going!'

Causing the audience to erupt into cheers, Lesley then teased: ‘The only positive thing about the fact that Ruth leaves the convent is that we know where she’s going!’

James shared a picture of day two on Instagram on Tuesday which showed Ruth and Joanna reunited as they prepared to film scenes as Nessa and Stacey

James shared a picture of day two on Instagram on Tuesday which showed Ruth and Joanna reunited as they prepared to film scenes as Nessa and Stacey 

He wrote: 'Day 2. One last time on the island x'

He wrote: ‘Day 2. One last time on the island x’

She began: ‘The convent says goodbye to the wonder that is Ruth Jones. I cannot tell you what a joy it is to be in this company with Ruth. 

‘Ruth has led this company so superbly and it’s a joy to perform with her, not just on stage but offstage – the generosity, the wonderful witness, the fun.’

Causing the audience to erupt into cheers, Lesley then teased: ‘The only positive thing about the fact that Ruth leaves the convent is that we know where she’s going!’

She continued: ‘And I guarantee that all of us on stage and I think all of you out there on Christmas Day will be watching Gavin & Stacey.’

It comes after fellow star Rob Brydon hinted shooting was underway for the show, as he shared a selfie with co-star Ruth Jones on Saturday. 

The actor, 59, who plays fan-favourite Uncle Bryn beamed next to Nessa Jenkins star Ruth and teased: ‘Something’s occurring… #gavinandstacey’.

Gavin & Stacey co-creator James and Ruth confirmed the show would return in May, with filming back in Barry Island, after last airing a Christmas special in 2019.

Fans will get to find out what has happened during the five-year break on Christmas Day this year, after the previous episode became the most-viewed non-sporting event in a decade.

At the climax of the episode, Nessa got down on one knee to propose to Smithy, but viewers never got to hear his response.

James pictured on the show with Ruth Jones in 2009

James pictured on the show with Ruth Jones in 2009

His followers went wild with excitement in the comments, declaring: 'This is history' and 'more excited for this than Christmas itself'

His followers went wild with excitement in the comments, declaring: ‘This is history’ and ‘more excited for this than Christmas itself’

 

It comes after Uncle Bryn star Rob Brydon hinted shooting was underway for the show, as he shared a selfie with co-star Ruth on Saturday

It comes after Uncle Bryn star Rob Brydon hinted shooting was underway for the show, as he shared a selfie with co-star Ruth on Saturday 

Joanna took to Instagram on Tuesday to share a snap of the front of her trailer door which said her character's name 'Stacey'. She wrote: 'First day!!!'

Joanna took to Instagram on Tuesday to share a snap of the front of her trailer door which said her character’s name ‘Stacey’. She wrote: ‘First day!!!’ 

Fans will get to find out what has happened during the five-year break on Christmas Day this year (James, Joanna Page, Mathew Horne and Ruth pictured in 2019)

Fans will get to find out what has happened during the five-year break on Christmas Day this year (James, Joanna Page, Mathew Horne and Ruth pictured in 2019)

Rob previously revealed he was ‘moved to tears’ when he saw the script and said the episode was going to be very ’emotional’. 

Speaking to Chris Evans live from Laverstoke Park Farm, Rob said of the final episode: ‘First of all, we knew it was going to happen, but we were told we had to keep it a secret. 

‘So you have to lie to people! It’s a horrible feeling, because you don’t want to lie to somebody right in the face.’

He continued: ‘It was a couple of months before the cast saw the script. I only saw it, we were on holiday, we were away, about a month ago. I read it. Oh, it’s so good.’

When Chris asked Rob if he was saying that because he had to, Rob replied: ‘No, I kind of wouldn’t, actually. I don’t want to tempt fate, but I think it’s fantastic.’

He revealed: ‘Do you know what? I was moved to tears, because it’s emotional.’

In July, James gave a major Gavin & Stacey update as he appeared on Capital Breakfast radio, revealing that the final script was almost ready to go.

Host Jordan North asked him: ‘Is it all written, is it all locked in? Is there still stuff to write?’

Gavin & Stacey co-creator James and Ruth confirmed the show would return in May, with filming back in Barry Island, after last airing a Christmas special in 2019

Gavin & Stacey co-creator James and Ruth confirmed the show would return in May, with filming back in Barry Island, after last airing a Christmas special in 2019 

James replied: ‘It’s written right but now we’re doing rewrites. So we have to, we have to remove some time, we have to change some bits around.

‘So, we’ve been doing that, it’s quite tough because Ruth Jones’s (Nessa) in Sister Act over in the West End at the minute, and I’m doing The Constituent at the Old Vic. 

‘So, we’ve been doing quite a bit of writing in dressing rooms and things like that. And then both looking at each other being quite tired from the plays but we’ll be back at it tomorrow.

‘Back at it Friday. I hope by Friday… it will be done and finished this Friday!’

Jordan then said: ‘This Friday? Is that the deadline?’

James then quipped: ‘Well it’s the deadline we’ve set ourselves, because we start shooting pretty soon now. It’s not far away now.’

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