Gavin & Stacey star Melanie Walters has revealed that she “screamed out loud” when she read the finale script for the first time. The Welsh actress has been playing the beloved character of Gwen West in Gavin & Stacey for nearly 20 years.
In almost two decades, Walters has warmed our hearts with her amazing performance as Gwen – an omelette-cooking champion, who lives in Barry with her daughter Stacey (played by Joanna Page) while her brother-in-law Bryn (played by Rob Brydon) lives just across the road.
This Christmas, Melanie Walters will be reprising her role as Gwen alongside the stellar cast of the show to say their goodbyes in the last ever episode, which will be aired at 9pm on Christmas Day (Wednesday, December 25). You can find out all the details about its air time, plot synopsis and who will be reprising their role here.
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In the lead up to the big finale, the cast has been sharing their thoughts on the final episode, as well as what the series has meant to them over the last 17 years. Rob Brydon recently revealed the eyebrow-raising reason he almost passed on the role of Uncle Bryn, which you can read more about here.
Ahead of the upcoming finale, Melanie Walters shared her experience of reading the script for the first time. She noted her shock of reading one part of the storyline, which she said made her “scream out loud”. For the latest TV & Showbiz news, sign up to our newsletter.
She said: “Firstly I was completely taken aback when Ruth rang to tell me that they had written a final script. When it came through the post I had, of course, conjured up many a possible storyline, none of which came close to what was written. Our director Chris Gernon had warned me that there would be a moment that, when reading the script, I would scream out loud and she was right”.
Fans will just have to find out exactly what Melanie is referring to when the Christmas special is aired in a few weeks’ time. The actress also spoke about how “exceptionally proud” she was of being part of a show that was so “funny” and “touching”. She added: “I couldn’t believe my luck when I realised that the incredible Alison Steadman was in it. I was, quite frankly, terrified that first season.”
She also noted that the comedy series had “changed [her] life”. When asked what the show meant to her, she said: “What can I say, it’s changed my life. I’m incredibly grateful to be involved with a piece of work that so many people find funny and moving. A show that people have taken to their hearts, it’s a complete joy and honour to be part of that. Over 17 years! That experience will never happen again.”
Gavin & Stacey: The Finale will be aired on Christmas Day at 9pm on both BBC One and BBC iPlayer.