BBC Gavin & Stacey's Joanna Page reveals why she won't miss playing iconic character

Joanna Page has revealed exactly why she wont miss playing Stacey Shipman in Gavin & Stacey.

The last episode of the hit BBC sitcom will air on Christmas Day (December 25) where the Shipmans and Wests will come together for the final time.

What exactly happens in the 90 minute special is being kept under wraps but it has been confirmed that Stacey and her husband Gavin Shipman (Mathew Horne) are looking for new ways to spice up their seventeen-year marriage and Pam Shipman (Alison Steadman) is stressing out at the prospect of playing hostess in Billericay, Essex.

Joanna and her co-star Larry Lamb, who plays Mick Shipman, appeared on The One Show on Wednesday (December 18) to talk to hosts Alex Jones and Clara Amfo about the upcoming finale.

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Speaking about when she read the first Gavin & Stacey script 17 years ago, Joanna explained: "I just opened the script and thought 'I know this person' and to have something where I can be Welsh and use my own voice, you feel so much closer to the character.

"I know these characters. I know where they come from and I have had these experiences. My uncle Anthony is like Uncle Bryn, Gwen is my mother, she makes the perfect omelette. I know these people and I thought I've got to get the part of Stacey."

After three series and two Christmas special, creators Ruth Jones and James Corden, who play Nessa and Smithy in the show, confirmed earlier this year that the upcoming episode will be the end.

Speaking about whether or not she'll miss playing the iconic role, Joanna said: "I think Stacey is the closest character I've ever played to myself and people say to me 'are you going to miss her?' and I think 'no, I'm not going to miss playing Stacey because she's here. She's in me and she'll always be there. The thing I will miss the most is the whole of our family, that has been the best bit, but Stacey will always be here."

Gavin & Stacey: The Finale airs Christmas Day on BBC One at 9pm