The third series of Gavin And Stacey is back on BBC One. Hurrah! Tell us about it. What’s new?

Well, the biggest difference in this series is that the later episodes are set in the summer, so we get to see Barry Island in the sun! And there’ll be a whole episode set on the beach which was really fun to film. Loads of people were there watching too, so it was a real party atmosphere. And we were so lucky with the weather – later on in the shoot we had torrential rain, and the place where we were filming nearly flooded. So those beach days… the gods of Barry were smiling down on us then.

And what about Nessa? What’s been happening in her life?

She’s been living in Dave’s caravan down Sully since he proposed at Christmas and has carried on working down the slots. She takes Neil the baby to work with her which is nice.

She and Dave are getting on fine, even though it is a bit cosy in the caravan. And things are about to get even cosier when Nessa’s dad turns up in episode one for Neil’s christening and needs somewhere to stay.

Nessa’s attitude to life pretty much stays the same. She’s never in a different mood, always the same one. And she takes whatever life throws at her in her usual measured way. If she won the lottery or if she found herself on a sinking ship, she’d probably pretty much react the same way to both.

How do you feel about this series being the last ever one? Was it more exciting or emotional to film?

It was very emotional filming at the end. Even from day one we all had this sad feeling about it all ending.

In the final week me and Jo Page just couldn’t stop crying. We were pathetic and we looked like frogs. And on the last day me and James were awash. It sounds silly I know, but it’s been a big part of our lives for the past three years…

But, y’know, things have to move on. As Nessa said in episode one of series one: “Times change. People move on.” And they do.

I like to think that we dipped into the lives of Gavin and Stacey and their family and friends for a couple of years, and now it’s time to dip out again and let them get on with it. I actually do believe sometimes that these people exist! Am I going mad?

One of the episodes takes place on the beach. It must have been hard with all the crowds watching! Can you tell us any funny stories from filming?

There’s one scene in episode four where Pam and Dawn are having a conversation about a DVD. And Alison, Adrian and Julia just couldn’t get through it without laughing. In the end Chris our director had to send everyone off for a tea break, and even after that they were still laughing… They got there in the end but it was a real struggle. The outtakes will be on the DVD extras!

Episode one is Baby Neil’s christening. Can you tell us about it?

We wanted a big occasion to kick off the third series and as well as that we always need some kind of gathering as an excuse to bring together our English and Welsh contingent. The christening of Neil the baby seemed to be the perfect opportunity.

We get to see how dysfunctional Smithy’s family is and finally meet his mother, played by the wonderful Pam Ferris. And we also meet Nessa’s dad played by Ifan Huw Dafydd. And, yes, there is some singing. And some musical prowess demonstrated by Doris.

Nessa’s dad Neil makes an appearance in this series. What’s he like?

We wanted Neil the Father to go against what people might expect of Nessa’s dad and Ifan Huw Dafydd plays him brilliantly because although he’s clearly quite dodgy and has a past, he’s still a warm and friendly guy. God only knows where Nessa’s mother is though.

Is that really it? You won’t be tempted to write just one more series or special?

We definitely won’t be writing another series. Where would we go with it? No, it’s really time to say goodbye to these characters now. But we’ve never ruled out the idea of a special maybe in a few years’ time. Not in the near future though. James and I will definitely write together again though – we want to write a film. We’ve already had an idea!

What about Gavin And Stacey The Movie?

Well, that film I was telling you about? It won’t be a Gavin and Stacey movie! That’s because both James and myself think G&S very much belongs to the little screen, not the big one. And there’s nothing wrong with that. It’s just the right medium for it. So why spoil it by trying to turn it into something it’s not? Now Gavin and Stacey the musical… that’s a different story!

What is your favourite bit from the new series?

There’s so much I love… There’s a scene in the caravan in episode five firstly between Nessa and Neil the baby (played on that occasion by Ewan who was always superb!) and then Dave Coaches arrives.

I think it’s maybe my favourite ever Nessa scene… but apart from that, I just think James’s acting, especially in episode six, is a joy to behold. That man is so talented. He really is!

At the end of the Christmas special we saw Smithy asking Nessa not to marry Dave – what’s occurrin’ there then?

Well it’s kind of what it says on the tin. Smithy doesn’t want to marry Nessa but he doesn’t want her to marry Dave either. Their relationship is quite bizarre. There’s certainly no love lost between them!

We think they’re perfect for each other – please tell us Smithy and Nessa live happily ever after?

Do you want me to tell you what happens in the end? Of course you don’t. You’ll have to wait and see!

Ness seems to have had quite a few surprising ex-boyfriends – who is her most high-profile conquest?

That’s a good question. What’s interesting is that people assume they know who Nessa is referring to in her past a lot of the time but in fact they get it wrong. For example, we have never mentioned the actual name Mohamed Al Fayed. Or Richard Madeley. But people have made assumptions about them.

My favourite Nessa conquest isn’t a celebrity. It’s Paulo. From South America. Who she describes as the only man she ever really loved. And she thought she saw him once down Barry Magistrates. She didn’t. It wasn’t him.

I guess the John Prescott stuff is really funny, I have to say, John was very good humoured about that reference, thanks John! And of course Tom Jones when we made the Comic Relief film. He was great fun!

Do you and James have any plans to collaborate together on any other projects in the future?

Well there’s the film but we may also write some more TV comedy together. We’ve had a couple of thoughts…

Pam Ferris is a new addition playing Smithy’s mum. Can you tell us a bit about her character?

She’s tired all the time. And cannot be bothered to do anything. You realise why Smithy spends so much time at Pam and Mick’s!

Are there any other famous faces popping up?

There are a couple of little cameos but I don’t want to spoil it by telling you who… And a couple of nice mentions of well-known people too.

What would you like to think Nessa is doing in 10 years’ time?

James and I were talking about this the other day. We reckon she’ll rejoin the circus. And Neil the baby will learn to walk on stilts or become a trapeze artist.

Nessa will inherit a couple of secondhand tigers in not very good nick and hers will be the only illegal, animal-based circus in the country. She’ll be the ring mistress of course, but will smoke while doing it. And look quite bored.

Now you’re hanging up the leathers, fishnets and the dragon tattoo, what’s next?

My production company, Tidy Productions, which I run with my husband David, is currently filming a Christmas film for S4C which I co-wrote with Catrin Dafydd and in which I appear as a Polish cafe manager. After that I’m playing Mum in a BBC Four comedy drama by Mark Watson inspired by Dylan Thomas’s Child’s Christmas In Wales, which is a fabulous script. And then I’m going on holiday!

And finally… the suspense is killing us. Do we ever find out about Bryn and Jason and that fishing trip?

Again, do you want me to spoil it for you? It’s so much fun leaving it to people’s imaginations. With the caveat that whatever did happen was not illegal in this country and involved soup.

The third series of Gavin And Stacey is back on BBC One. Hurrah! Tell us about it. What’s new?

I guess the biggest change is that Gavin has moved to Barry and Nessa now lives in the caravan with Dave. We meet some new characters this time too. But the core of the show is essentially the same.

And what about Smithy? What’s been happening in his life?

Well he’s having to adjust to Gav not being there and come to terms with the fact that his son is being brought up with Nessa and Dave. You feel like he’s at a bit of a crossroads this series.

How is Smithy coping now his best mate has moved to Wales? Will we be seeing Smithy upping sticks to Barry?

I think it would take a lot for Smithy to leave Essex! But you never know…

Is that really it? You won’t be tempted to write just one more series or special?

There will never be another series of the show. I think Ruth and I are definite about that. As far as specials are concerned, I think if we had an idea for a story with these characters then maybe, but I don’t think that’ll happen anytime soon.

What about Gavin And Stacey The Movie?

I think some things should be on TV and some things should be on stage and some things should be films. Gavin And Stacey is a TV show and that’s where it’s best.

At the end of the Christmas special we saw Smithy asking Nessa not to marry Dave – what’s occurin’ there then?

I think the Christmas special is where we saw Smithy at his most vulnerable, his whole world has changed and he doesn’t quite know which way to go. He’s lost if truth be told.

We think they’re perfect for each other – please tell us Smithy and Nessa live happily ever after?

I can’t possibly even begin to tell you that sort of information.

What is your favourite bit from the new series?

I really love episode six. It’s everything I wanted it to be. It felt like Ruth and I could see this end point for so long, and it really lives up to everything that was in our heads.

Do you and Ruth have any plans to collaborate together on any other projects in the future?

I can’t wait to get back in a room with her and start writing our next project. I’m so excited about it.

Are there any famous faces popping up?

There may be one or two but I’m not gonna spoil it!

And finally… the suspense is killing us. Do we ever find out about Bryn and Jason and that fishing trip?

I could tell you, but I’d have to get Ruth to kill you!

The third series of Gavin And Stacey is back on BBC One. Hurrah! Tell us about it. What’s new?

I can’t tell you anything that happens in the new series because Ruth and James would kill me. But I enjoyed filming it. The scripts are funny and heart-warming. Stacey’s enjoying living in Barry and it’s very exciting that we’re now on BBC One!

And what about Stacey? What’s been happening in her life?

Stacey’s got herself a job; she’s living at home in Barry with her mum so everything in her life is rosy at the moment.

Stacey always seemed so homesick in Essex – how has it been moving back to Wales?

Stacey’s loved moving back to Wales. She’s incredibly happy surrounded by her family and friends and she’d be happy to live like this forever. Everything is perfect. She has her husband and her home life sorted.

It must be quite hard living with the in-laws! How do you think Pam and Mick will cope with Gavin moving to Wales?

I think Pam and Mick will be gutted that Gavin’s moved to Wales, especially Pam. He’s her baby and I think she’ll miss him enormously.

Stacey and Gavin have been married a while now… any plans to have a family?

I think Stacey’s enjoying life as it is at the moment. She’s got everything she wants so you’ll just have to wait and see.

How do you feel about this series being the last ever one? Was it more exciting or emotional to film?

I think this feels right that it’s the end of Gavin And Stacey. It’s been a joy to work on but it will be lovely to play different parts and work on other things.

It felt very relaxed filming, I think because we knew we wouldn’t be doing it anymore and we all knew what we were doing so we just enjoyed it.

It was emotional finally finishing, and we all shed a few tears, but it’s lovely that we all became such good friends so I know I’ll see everyone again!

Who will you miss working with the most?

I think I’ll miss filming with Mel who plays Gwen. When I think back to the first scenes we ever filmed together we were so nervous because everything was just starting. But now we’re so close and she’s become my adopted mother! I’ll miss our scenes when we’re trying to force omelettes down our throats! I was so upset when Mel finished the job because I felt like I’d just lost my mum.

Can you tell us any funny stories from filming?

There was one particular scene I did with Ruth when she had quite a funny costume on and I couldn’t stop laughing. We became hysterical in the rehearsal and I nearly started crying and was told off by the producer and director and told to pull myself together otherwise nobody would get any dinner. Which just made things worse.

There was also a scene where we’re all eating. I didn’t have any lines but Ruth did and couldn’t get her words out without spitting out her food. So I nearly spoilt the shot by giggling uncontrollably when I didn’t even have anything to say!

And I lost all control of myself watching Rob Brydon while filming episode one. There’s a point in the episode when I couldn’t contain myself because Rob was making us all laugh so much.

Episode one is baby Neil’s christening. Can you tell us about it?

Baby Neil’s christening was very funny to film. And Owen, who played Neil, was absolutely adorable. He was a fantastic actor. He always found the camera and listened to whoever was talking. It was lovely working with him and I think he made us all broody.

You’re Nessa’s best mate – do you think she is really in love with Smithy?

I don’t know if Nessa’s in love with Smithy because she’s very private so I don’t think that’s something they’ve talked about. But I think Stacey thinks there’s definitely some sort of bond there obviously because they have a baby together.

What is your favourite bit from the new series?

I have so many favourite bits from the new series. I think I have a different favourite bit in each episode. They all involve trying not to laugh at the other actors. I always love my scenes with Nessa. And there was a bit I loved when I’m sitting in the freezing cold on the back of a trailer, which was very funny, but I can’t say anymore about it!

What would you like to think Stacey is doing in 10 years’ time?

In 10 years’ time I’d say Stacey’s probably still happy with Gavin, she’s also got a career. I can imagine her being an Avon representative and having parties at her house and going door to door selling make-up. She’d be living next door to Gwen and Bryn and she’d be looking after them now, instead of them looking after her.

Now Gavin And Stacey is finished, what’s next?

No idea what I’m up to next. It’ll be nice to work on other things. Don’t mind if it’s comedy or serious as long as I have a great script to work with. I’d like to do more films and more TV and just enjoy myself.

What’s new? What’s new? A lot is new actually… Including the introduction of a very exciting member of the Smith family!

And what about Gavin? What’s been happening in his life?

Don’t you mean what’s been “occurin’”? There are many changes afoot for Gavin…

How is Gavin coping with the move to Wales?

Gavin has always coped pretty well with the Welsh.

Smithy was distraught when he found out best mate Gav was moving to Wales – do you think we’ll be seeing Smithy upping sticks to Barry?

It may be an option when all the shower trays are sealed and all the tiles are regrouted in Essex.

How is Pam coping without her little Prince? Maybe the whole Shipman clan will relocate to Barry?

Pam is obviously devastated. She’d lost a limb (or an organ). Perhaps not enough of a loss to move to Wales though.

What’s it like living so close to Uncle Bryn? He seems to have a bit of a thing for Gavin…

Does he? I hadn’t noticed…

Gavin and Stacey have been married a while now… any plans to have a family?

I think both Gavin and Stacey are the family type, unlike me!

How do you feel about this series being the last ever one? Was it more exciting or emotional to film?

There were tears, yes. Mine because I tore the ligaments in my ankle two days before the end!

Who will you miss working with the most?

Alison. Legend in her own boots.

One of the episodes takes place on the beach. It must have been hard with all the crowds watching! Can you tell us any funny stories from filming?

I hid from the crowds and the sun in one of those little tent-type sun-breakers. I’m not good with crowds and sand.

Episode one is baby Neil’s christening. Can you tell us about it?

His head gets wet.

At the end of the Christmas special we saw Smithy asking Nessa not to marry Dave – what’s occurin’ there then? Do you think Smithy is really in love with Nessa?

I think he’s in love with himself first, Gav second and womankind third.

What is your favourite bit from the new series?

Bryn on the beach. It’s extraordinary.

You and James recently appeared in your own BBC Three sketch show – do you have any plans to work together again?

We sure do and are currently, yes. Bit of a break, now it’s back to work.

What would you like to think Gavin is doing in 10 years’ time?

Speaking Welsh.

Now Gavin And Stacey is finished, what’s next?

Marple. More Horne & Corden. And hopefully some sleep.

The third series of Gavin And Stacey is back on BBC One. Hurrah! Tell us about it. What’s new?

Great to be back but I’m not going to give too much away! Pam and Mick finally seem to accept that Barry isn’t such a bad place after all and pay a visit.

And what about Pam? What’s been happening in her life?

Pammy’s always busy and her latest thing is entering Britain’s Got Talent.

How is Pam coping without her little Prince?

Pam misses her little Prince every day and would love to have him back home or at least living round the corner.

Any chance Pam and Mick would move to Wales?

Pam and Mick would never move to Wales.

How do you feel about this series being the last ever one? Was it more exciting or emotional to film?

I still can’t believe this is the last series. It was on my mind most of the time and the final day was really emotional. It feels a real loss.

Can you tell us any funny stories from filming?

When I’d finished filming I had a day off before the wrap party so I stayed in Wales and did some sightseeing. In the middle of the day I got a photo text from our director Chris Gernon who’d fallen over in the mud while filming and was forced to change into Pammy’s black jeans for the rest of the day!

What is your favourite bit from the new series?

I loved Neil’s christening scene. It’s funny and very moving as well. My least favourite bit for Pammy is when she covers her face in a green facepack. When I saw myself I looked straight out of a cheap horror movie!

Pam seems to have a bit of a maternal soft spot for Smithy. Would you like to see him and Nessa get together?

Pammy loves Smithy and would do anything for him. She just wants him to be happy. He is like a second son to her.

What would you like to think Pam is doing in 10 years’ time?

She’ll be having her grandchildren to stay and spoiling them like mad (I hope).

Now Gavin And Stacey is finished, what’s next?

I want to do more theatre as well as television. I’ll be touring Alan Bennett’s play Enjoy in the early spring.

The third series of Gavin And Stacey is back on BBC One. Hurrah! Tell us about it. What’s new?

Sadness. Surreal comedy. Sexiness. A sublimely sentimental yet supremely poignant ending.

And what about Mick? What’s been happening in his life?

More of the same. Still nice old Mick.

The house must feel empty now Gavin and Stacey have moved back to Wales. How is Pam coping without her little Prince?

Driving Mick stone ravin’ bonkers.

Any chance you and Pam would move to Wales?

As much chance as being kicked to death by a three-legged camel on the end of Southend pier.

How do you feel about this series being the last ever one? Was it more exciting or emotional to film?

Absolutely – if that were possible.

Can you tell us any funny stories from filming?

Ask Pam. She’s much better at all that.

What is your favourite bit from the new series?

The scene just before the very end, but I can’t tell you because it’ll give it away.

We hear that Dawn and Pete renew their wedding vows – will Mick and Pam be doing the same?

They do it every day anyway.

Nessa seems to kiss Mick any chance she gets. Ever been tempted?

Speaking on behalf of Mr Shipman I would definitely like to respond in the affirmative (only joking, Clare and David).

What would you like to think Mick is doing in 10 years’ time?

More of the same.

Apart from EastEnders, now Gavin And Stacey is finished, what’s next?

I’m doing a TV show about fathers and sons with George my son and then I’m going on the road with my one-man show.