Joanna Page shares her favourite Gavin and Stacey memories
13 October 2020
We caught up with Welsh actress Joanna Page as she prepares for her new ΒιΆΉΤΌΕΔ Radio Wales show...
Where are you from?
I’m from Swansea, South Wales, which is about an hour’s drive west from Stacey’s house in Barry Island! I’m so Welsh - through and through.
Are you and Stacey alike?
I think we’re definitely similar. I don’t think I’m as naggy though - although my husband will say the opposite - and I think I’m more laid back. I don’t worry as much about stuff, but let’s be honest – we sound exactly the same. When I first got the script for Gavin and Stacey, I read it and thought, oh my gosh, that’s me.
How do you relax?
I’ve got three children but, on the weekend, my perfect Sunday morning would be having a lie in, reading the papers, listening to the radio, having breakfast in bed, my children playing in their bedrooms – not disturbing me for a while – and just having a relax and peace and quiet.
What’s your go-to type of music?
If I’m relaxing I just want something nice and happy. I’m listening to a lot of Harry Styles at the moment. I don’t know if it’s because I’m going through a midlife crisis – it might be, but I’m really enjoying his song ‘Watermelon Sugar’ and I’m playing that all the time.
What’s your favourite Gavin and Stacey memory?
There are a few. Filming the hen party was very memorable because we had a real-life stripper. I won’t go into too many details, but I’ve never experienced a stripper before - and I’ve never experienced a stripper afterwards either. When we filmed it I just remember the camera was shaking because the cameraman was laughing so much. I was in shock, I was laughing hysterically, and I couldn’t stop talking about it that evening. It was an experience.
Another one of my favourite scenes was in the Christmas special when we were all around the table for Christmas dinner. We spent about three days filming that and it was so lovely because Rob Brydon made us laugh nonstop. I don’t think I’ve laughed so much in my life. And then James Corden came in and introduced Sonia to all of us. He was so naughty and had a glint in his eye. In every single take he’d say and do something different and we were in hysterics and I just remember Mat Horne erupting and exploding with laughter – and normally he doesn’t laugh at all. We were just hysterical, and it was just like being with your family on Christmas Day.
What can you tell us about your new radio show on Radio Wales?
It’s going to be on Sunday mornings and you can expect lots of good music, a sprinkling of showbiz, interesting stories and lots of gossip and chat. I’ve never done anything like this before but we all know I’m a bit of a talker! I’m just going to imagine that I’m chatting to my best friend. You don’t know what I’m going to say - so you better tune in and listen!
