The woman living in the real Gavin and Stacey house in Barry, Wales received an unforgettable birthday surprise. Glenda Kenyon, the homeowner, got the birthday bash of the decade when fans of the BBC sensation turned up en masse at her door.
From 2007 to 2010, Glenda’s cosy terraced home served as the backdrop for the drama penned by James Corden and Ruth Jones. Over the years, she’s witnessed a whopping 35,000 enthusiasts, eager to see the house that brought to life Stacey’s family, portrayed by Joanne Page.
Once a ‘virtual recluse’, life before the show was pretty bleak for Glenda. “Before the filming my life was lonely. I did not leave the house often. Only to get food. Then the film crew came along.‘It was a lonely life – I was going through hell with the depression. I never had many people to talk to,” she said. However, after the BBC’s pick, her world underwent a sea change.
“But now I have people coming from all over the world to see the Gavin and Stacey house. The visitors are fantastic,” she beams. To top it off, her home is now a shrine of sorts, housing memorabilia from the hit show.
Back in 2006, when TV bigwigs sent out flyers scouting for filming locations, Glenda spotted an opportunity to bring a change in her life. So, without missing a beat, she threw her hat into the ring, offering up her home.
For those wanting a taste of this stardom, Uncle Bryn’s (played by Rob Brydon) house is on the market. This three-bedroom gem, complete with a garden, is up for grabs. Fancy renting? Shell out £995 per month. Or if you’re feeling particularly flush, buy the iconic property for £212,000.
As for Gavin and Stacey, even though it’s been a while since we saw the cast together, murmurs of a reunion have been in the air. James Corden, 44, dropped a hint, revealing he’d caught up with Ruth, 56, over the festive period.
‘It is whether we decide to get into a room together and honestly I could not tell you what the chances are of that. We both have to be ready and right,’ he confided to The Sun. Only time will tell if fans get their wish. But for now, Glenda’s certainly living the dream!