Gavin & Stacey star Alison Steadman reveals why she never wed famous partner after 28 years
Gavin & Stacey actress Alison Steadman has shared why she never married her actor partner Michael Elwyn, despite the pair being together for almost 30 years.
The 78-year-old, who plays Gavin's mum Pam Shipman in the popular sitcom, has been with Elwyn for 28 years. She has two sons - Toby, 45, and Leo, 43 - with ex-husband Mike Leigh, but never felt the need to tie the knot with her current partner.
Alison told Saga magazine: "I've been with my partner, the actor Michael Elwyn for 28 years. Marriage isn't necessary for us.
"We are quite content; we don't need that. We both love bird-watching - I couldn't live without the feeders at the back of my North London flat.
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"I'm 78 and sometimes feel a bit down. Then I say: 'Stop it. You have a good life, you are still working and you are healthy.' I am very lucky."
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Alison will star in the final ever Gavin and Stacey episode, which will air on Christmas Day. She will appear alongside the likes of James Corden, 46, Ruth Jones, 58, Mathew Horne, 46, Joanna Page, 47, and on-screen husband Larry Lamb, 77.
Gavin and Stacey first appeared on TV in 2007 and featured characters from Billericay, Essex, and Barry trying to maintain a long-distance relationship.
It became a huge hit but this year's Christmas special is set to wrap up the storylines.
Alison told the magazine: "I'm looking forward to being back as Pamela in the Christmas special of Gavin and Stacey. The expectations have grown, so everybody I see in the street says: 'Can't wait for Gavin & Stacey,' which makes me think: 'I hope I don't let you down."
"I love playing Pamela (Gavin's mum) as she has a warmth to her, she's quirky, and she has her little rows her her husband Mick."
Alison joins Matt Tebbutt on Saturday Kitchen this morning (Saturday, December 14) at 10am on BBC One.
