Gavin & Stacey star describes last day of filming as 'quite hard to process'
Gavin & Stacey actor Mathew Horne has described the last day of filming the final episode as "quite hard to process" and "overwhelming". The English actor spoke about his time on the successful BBC sitcom, the relationship he had with his fellow cast members and how he felt during recent filming for the finale in an interview with Square Mile.
The actor will be reprising his role as Gavin, also fondly known as 'Gavlar' on the show, in the upcoming Gavin & Stacey: The Finale. The Christmas special episode is only a few weeks away, with many fans feeling excited to find out how their beloved comedy series comes to an end.
Last time we saw the Shipman and West families was five years ago, back in another Christmas Special, which aired in 2019. Now Gavin & Stacey fans can watch a sneaky preview of the finale for this year's Christmas Day (Wednesday, December 25) on BBC iPlayer. For the latest TV & Showbiz news, sign up to our newsletter.
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Ahead of the finale, Mathew Horne sat down and spoke to journalist Michaella Parkes for Square Mile. During the interview, the actor said that filming in Barry during the last day was a lot to take in. He said: "It was tinged with a bit of sadness because for a lot of people, myself included, it’s been such a fundamental part of my career and therefore my life. Gavin & Stacey has defined my career and will continue to define my career. That’s really amazing. It’s also very meaningful."
He continued: "It’s quite hard to process. Quite overwhelming." He then added: "There were a lot of tears. From everyone." The actor then went on to discuss the close bond he had formed with his fellow cast members, in particular with his on-screen mother, Pam, played by Alison Steadman.
The actor lost his own mother six months before the filming of the last special episode. In the interview with Square Mile, he revealed that he saw Alison Steadman as his "surrogate mother" and that she would call him her "little prince" on and off the screen. He said: "That’s how she signs off all her messages! She signs off all her texts 'Mum.'"
He continued: "She sees me as a sort of surrogate son. Likewise, I see her as a surrogate mother." He then added: "My friendship with Alison is so important. She is very, very dear to me." Alison Steadman also echoed Horne's sentiment. While appearing on BBC's Saturday Kitchen on Saturday, December 14, the actress spoke extensively about her time on Gavin & Stacey, especially when she first met Joanna Page, who plays Stacey, and Mathew Horne himself.
She said: "I loved the script to start with, and our first day of rehearsal, we didn't know who were playing Gavin or Stacey, and Jo Page came running up to me and she is so sweet. She said, 'Hiya, I'm playing Stacey'. And I went 'You are perfect!' And then Mat Horne came wandering over and said, 'Hi, I'm Mat, I'm playing Gavin'. And I thought, my little prince. It was just absolutely perfect". You can read more about Alison Steadman's appearance on the cooking programme here.
Gavin & Stacey: The Finale will air on Christmas Day at 9pm on BBC One and BBC iPlayer.
