Fans of Gavin and Stacey undoubtedly hold fond memories of Neil the baby, the adorable offspring of Smithy and Nessa. Neil, played by Oscar Hartland, looks totally unrecognisable now, leaving fans surprised by his recent appearances.
The character Neil Noel Edmund Smith Jr. entered our lives in the final episode of Gavin & Stacey’s second series in 2008. Affectionately known as Neil the Baby, he stole hearts every time he graced the screen. Neil was portrayed by three actors, including Lewis Merchant, Ewan Kennedy, and the now 14-year-old Oscar Hartland.
In a surprising return, Oscar reprised his role in the 2019 Christmas special, bringing a new dimension to Neil as he navigated his teenage years. The chemistry between James Corden and Ruth Jones, playing Smithy and Nessa, significantly turned Gavin and Stacey into a cult phenomenon.
Fast forward to 2023, and fans of Gavin & Stacey were surprised to see Oscar Hartland showcase his singing talents on The Voice Kids. His band, Redwood City, took the stage, and Oscar belted out the Foo Fighters’ hit “Hero,”. In an Instagram post, he expressed his excitement, saying, “It was an absolute blast to film. Can’t wait to show you guys what I’ve been up to the last few months!”
Gavin & Stacey’s child star looks all grown-up
Reflecting on his time with Gavin & Stacey, Oscar shared, “I grew up just knowing I was Neil The Baby, but it was after the special that my life literally turned around.” His experiences on the show, alongside Ruth Jones and Melanie Walters, helped shape his acting career. “Ruth taught me how to act. I’d ask what I could do to make it better,” he revealed.
But it’s not all about acting for Oscar. The multi-talented teenager has ventured into the music industry with his band Redwood City. He disclosed his aspirations: “If I could crack the safe open, then I’d buy a recording studio.” His mother, Kirsty, humorously interjected, “You may have to record a few more episodes to afford that.”
Despite his growing success, Oscar remains humble, even when fans recognise him as Neil the baby. “They sometimes call me Neil the baby; I don’t mind it,” he remarked. When asked about the possibility of returning to Gavin and Stacey, Oscar is open to the idea, saying, “I think it would be cool. If they wanted me to do it, I would do it.”
As we await news of a new Gavin and Stacey special, Oscar hinted at an intriguing storyline for Neil. “Neil should have a dark turn. He has always been very likable, so that would be fun“.