Revealed: The Gavin & Stacey actors who were friends long before the sitcom hit TV screens
Share:
Gavin & Stacey has surely secured its legacy as one of the greatest British comedies of all time after viewers were delighted by its return on Christmas Day, where the characters' chemistry was as electric as ever despite a five-year hiatus in filming.
![[Rob revealed that he has been friends with his Gavin and Stacey co-star Ruth Jones for more than 40 years as he appeared on Lorraine in 2021 (pictured together on stage during their childhood)]](https://i.dailymail.co.uk/1s/2025/01/03/15/43178089-14236663-Rob_revealed_that_he_has_been_friends_with_his_Gavin_and_Stacey_-m-16_1735917717290.jpg)
The show's success is down to the bond shared between the ensemble, which has been strong since its first series aired in 2007 - something for which many would praise the casting directors. However, the sitcom, which is set between Barry in Wales and Billericay in Essex (although filmed solely in Wales), hired very few of the cast members through the audition process, with James Corden, 46, and Ruth Jones, 58, having actors in mind for several parts before opening the casting calls.
![[Pictured: Rob Brydon as Uncle Bryn in the finale of Gavin & Stacey, which aired on 25 December]](https://i.dailymail.co.uk/1s/2024/12/30/16/93589855-14236663-image-a-50_1735575173068.jpg)
The comedic duo selected Alison Steadman to play the role of the over-the-top Essex mother Pam, having previously worked with her during their stint on the ITV show Fat Friends. Meanwhile, Rob Brydon secured a fast-track application process to Uncle Bryn thanks to his lifelong friendship with Ruth, with the pair previously attending school together in Wales.
![[Julia Davis, who plays Dawn Sutcliffe in Gavin & Stacey, previously worked with Ruth Jones on Nighty Night (pictured: Davis as Jill in Nighty Night)]](https://i.dailymail.co.uk/1s/2025/01/03/13/93590611-14236663-image-a-14_1735909362616.jpg)
At the same time, Sheridan Smith, who plays Smithy's sister, Ruth 'Rudi' Smith, likely received her role given her romantic connection to James Corden from 2007 to 2009. Elsewhere, James was joined by many of his co-stars from his 2006 breakout role in the theatre comedy-drama The History Boys.
![[Pictured: Linda (Ruth Jones), Joy (Kitty Fitzgerald) and Jill (Julia Davis) on the set of Nighty Night]](https://i.dailymail.co.uk/1s/2024/12/30/16/93590979-14236663-image-a-58_1735577929174.jpg)
