Neil the Baby star from Gavin and Stacey looks totally unrecognisable 16 years after debut
After six long years away from our screens, it’s official - iconic BBC sitcom Gavin and Stacey is back for one night only, as the cast reunites this Christmas for the final ever episode. Fans of the show have been waiting years for the latest on the show's characters, including the iconic Neil the baby.
But would viewers of the show recognise him today? Actor Oscar Hartland is all grown up and has continued to embrace being on screen. Gavin and Stacey viewers will remember that characters Smithy (James Corden) and Nessa (Ruth Jones) had a baby boy together, who was affectionately referred to as Neil the baby almost every time he appeared in a scene.
Neil the Baby actor Oscar Hartland first played his character when he was an actual baby, but was given the opportunity to reprise his role in the Gavin and Stacey 2019 Christmas special, which was well received by fans and critics alike.
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Now aged 17, Oscar is practically unrecognisable and although it's yet to be announced if he's going to be appearing in the upcoming episode, he's previously shared his desire to do just that.
Speaking to the Daily Mail when rumours of a reunion were originally spreading, he said: "I was quite chubby and I looked a bit like Smithy and Nessa and it helped that I was Neil when I was a baby. I'd love to do it again - I'm ready if they are.
"Everyone's heard the rumours and the whole country wants to see another episode. I'd love to be part of that. I don't want to be a party pooper but I've heard nothing."
Recalling his stint on Gavin and Stacey, he added: “I grew up just knowing I was Neil The Baby but it was after the special that my life literally turned around. I went from a kid that was in a show when he was a baby to a kid in a TV show, even going into the supermarket was mad.”
His career doesn’t seem to have hindered his daily life in a bad way either, as Oscar elaborated on his luck with the girls.
"I’m on Snapchat or at a party and I go: ‘Ever watch Gavin and Stacey then?’ My success rate is good, it’s decent. Last Halloween a bunch of girls came around trick or treating, they were about my age. They opened the door and I just went like ‘Gavin and Stacey… Neil The Baby’ And then they just go nuts."
