Xmas starts for Gavin and Stacey
Oct 23 2008 by Peter Collins, South Wales Echo
THE festive season has already begun in Barry with the start of filming in the town for the Christmas special edition of the hit sitcom Gavin and Stacey.
The cast and crew of the Barry-based show have been seen all around the town filming what promises to be a Christmas television highlight.
Scenes have already been shot on Barry Island and at the house in Trinity Street, Barry, which is where Stacey lives.
Glenda Kenyon, who actually lives in the house in real life, was moved out to a hotel for two days last week so the film crew and stars could move it.
She said: “It was great. They blocked off the street while they were filming and lots of people were watching.
“ We had Christmas decorations on both sides of the street.
“They left me a decorated Christmas tree which is still in the window. I’m not moving it now. It’ll stay there until after Christmas.”
The big question on everyone’s lips now is whether another series of the show will be filmed next year.
Glenda said: “If it does happen they will let me know nearer the time so they can use the house again.”
Last month, Ruth Jones, who plays Nessa and writes the show with James Corden, said there would only be a new series if they could come up with good enough scripts.
She said: “We’re not ruling it out but it would have to be a really good idea and a really good story.”
Meanwhile, Vale of Glamorgan councillors are still considering including the main locations in the show on a town trail for fans who come to Barry from around the country, including Essex.
Barry councillor Rob Curtis, a big fan of the show who put forward the town trail idea said: “Barry needs every opportunity offered to it and Gavin and Stacey has been a real boost for the town. Tourism has many aspects to it.
“Many people visit places where films or shows have been made and Barry could benefit from that with Gavin and Stacey being made here.
“Needless to say, I would love to see a new series. That really would be excellent news for Barry.”
