Hold onto your hats, Gavin & Stacey fans! We’ve got some telly ‘goss’ that’s sure to leave you gobsmacked. Our beloved Essex couple, Pam and Mick Shipman – played by the legendary Alison Steadman and suave Larry Lamb – have just come clean with an on-set secret that’ll make you watch the series in a different light.
Despite trotting around their ‘Essex’ home on the BBC sensation that aired between 2007 and 2019, the dynamic duo confessed they’d never set foot in Billericay – yes, the very town their characters supposedly hailed from! Instead, turns out all their Billericay antics were cooked up on a set in… wait for it… Wales!
Larry spilt the beans in an explosive chat with the Radio Times, revealing, “Gavin & Stacey was all filmed in Wales. We just did as we were told, love.” Oh, the audacity!
But fear not die-hard fans. As if to right this TV wrong, the two are finally hitting the streets of Billericay for real. They’re taking a trip from – you guessed it – ‘Billericay to Barry’ for their brand-new show, where they’ll make amends by planting a tree in honour of their faux past. Larry seemed quite chuffed about the whole thing, saying they got a “right royal welcome” from the townsfolk, complete with a mayoral meet-and-greet.
Alison chimed in with her classic charm, “We planted a tree! Fingers crossed it thrives.”
Now, this isn’t just a drive down the motorway; they’re turning it into a televised event. ‘Alison & Larry: Billericay to Barry’ will take viewers on a riveting 200-mile escapade over three thrilling episodes. Larry gushed, “It felt like a chance to settle scores – Barry always stole the limelight in Gavin & Stacey, leaving Billericay in the shadows. Now, both places will get their moment to shine!”
Fans who’ve been craving more of the Shipman magic since the 2019 Christmas special are in for a treat with this reunion. And guess what? Larry’s hinting he’s game for another Gavin & Stacey special. “It’d be like reuniting with family,” he teased.
Mark those calendars and set those reminders, ladies and gents! ‘Alison & Larry: Billericay to Barry’ kicks off August 14 on Gold at 8pm. Don’t miss out on the road trip of the year!