All posts tagged: Stacey

Gavin & Stacey star tipped for Strictly Come Dancing 2026

Gavin & Stacey star tipped for Strictly Come Dancing 2026

Published by Daniella Wilson

The Strictly Come Dancing 2026 line-up is shaping up nicely – and early – with four celebrities already confirmed by the BBC. And it sounds like it could be about to get even better with the addition of one of our favourite Gavin & Stacey stars. Melanie Walters, who played Stacey’s mum Gwen on the smash hit comedy series throughout its run, is rumoured to have joined the cast taking to the dance floor later this year. BBC bosses are reportedly “very excited” to have landed Walters for the series’ return, according to The Sun, with a source saying: “Melanie is loved across the country for her role as Gwen. “The Gavin & Stacey Christmas special in 2024 saw millions of fans turning in for the final episode of the series. “BBC bosses are very excited to have landed Melanie given her popularity.” The BBC declined to comment on the report when approached by Radio Times. Laura Aikman, Jason Wilfort and Melanie Walters of Gavin and Stacey at the Radio Times Covers Party 2025. Radio Times/Ray …

Gavin & Stacey legends join cast of BBC festive animation this Christmas

Gavin & Stacey legends join cast of BBC festive animation this Christmas

Published by Daniella Wilson

We might not have yet had a summer but there’s some good news to look forward to for Christmas when it’s cold outside and you’re looking for something to watch. The BBC and Magic Light Pictures has announced it is adapting The Baddies by Dame Julia Donaldson and Axel Scheffler which will air over the festive period, following over a decade of fantastic storytelling at that particular time of year. Returning star Rob Brydon will be joined by Gavin & Stacey favourites Alison Steadman and Sheridan Smith among others including Hammed Animashaun, Robyn Cara and Francesca Mills. The Baddies is about some of the worst villains in the world, including a troll played by Animashaun, a ghost (Rob Brydon) and a witch (Alison Steadman). They love being bad and boasting about it. When a girl (Robyn Cara) with a blue spotty hanky moves into a cottage nearby, the trio debate about what tricks they want to play on her. A mouse (Francesca Mills) sets a challenge for the Baddies to see who can steal the …

Gavin & Stacey favourite’s brand new Welsh comedy unveils first look

Gavin & Stacey favourite’s brand new Welsh comedy unveils first look

Published by Daniella Wilson

The BBC has given fans a first look at Gavin & Stacey co-creator Ruth Jones’s brand new comedy series, Better Later, while also revealing that filming has commenced on the show. The upcoming comedy, co-starring and co-written by Jones and her former Stella co-star Steve Speirs, follows two people who cross paths at a knee trauma clinic and examines “the unexpected joys of an unlikely friendship”. Jones stars as 55-year-old Shelley Anne, an environmental health officer going through a bitter divorce, while Speirs appears as 60-year-old Clive, a retired teacher and widower. The first-look image (above) shows Jones and Spiers on set, with the former holding a clapperboard in front of a shop in Brynfach – the fictional village where the series is set. Filming is taking place in and around South Wales including the Brecon Beacons. Ruth Jones and Steve Speirs. BBC Jones said in a statement: “In a funny way this show has been 35 years in the making, which is when I first met Steve.” She added: “It’s not that we’re slow writers …

Stacey King, Chicago Bulls announcer and 3x NBA champion, dies at 59

Stacey King, Chicago Bulls announcer and 3x NBA champion, dies at 59

Published by Sam Flores

Stacey King, a three-time NBA champion and beloved TV broadcaster with the Chicago Bulls, has died, the team announced Sunday. He was 59. No cause of death has been disclosed. “Stacey King was a cherished member of the Bulls family and one of the truly unique personalities in our organization’s history,” Bulls chairman Jerry Reinsdorf said in a statement. “His connection to Chicago, the Bulls and our fans spanned more than three decades — first as a player and later as the unmistakable voice that helped bring Bulls basketball into the homes of generations of fans. “We will miss him deeply and remember the joy, energy, humor, candor and passion he brought to our organization, our broadcasts and our fans every day. Our thoughts are with his family and loved ones.” Chicago Bulls legend Michael Jordan said in a statement he is “deeply saddened” by his former teammate’s death. “We shared some special years together as teammates, and he was part of a group that helped define an era of Chicago Bulls basketball. My thoughts …

James Corden slams ‘awful’ Gavin & Stacey episode from original series

James Corden slams ‘awful’ Gavin & Stacey episode from original series

Published by Daniella Wilson

Get the latest entertainment news, reviews and star-studded interviews with our Independent Culture email Get the latest entertainment news with our free Culture newsletter Get the latest entertainment news with our free Culture newsletter James Corden offered his unsparing verdict of one particular Gavin & Stacey episode, branding the instalment “awful”, and “very, very, very bad”. The British actor and chat show host, who co-created and starred in the hit sitcom alongside Ruth Jones, gave his thoughts during an appearance at the BBC Comedy Festival last week. Gavin & Stacey ran for 22 episodes on the BBC between 2007 and 2024, including three Christmas specials. Corden had issues, however, with the second entry in the first series, which followed on from Gavin’s (Mathew Horne) confession of love to Stacey (Joanna Page) at the end of the series premiere. James Corden pictured in April 2026 (Getty Images) “It’s a very very very bad half hour,” he said, per Deadline. “It’s an awful episode.” Corden claimed that the problem stemmed from the writers “back[ing] ourselves into a …

The rise of ‘Stacey face’: How AI enhancements are warping our beauty standards

The rise of ‘Stacey face’: How AI enhancements are warping our beauty standards

Published by Daniella Wilson

Stay ahead of the curve with our weekly guide to the latest trends, fashion, relationships and more Stay ahead of the curve with our weekly guide to the latest trends, fashion, relationships and more Stay ahead of the curve with our weekly guide to the latest trends, fashion, relationships and more I’m staring at my face, but it doesn’t look like me. There’s an eerie smoothness to it – like a Barbie doll with human eyes installed. My nose is unnaturally narrow, my lips are puffy and pert. My cheeks are softly sunken, like I’ve spent weeks refusing to properly eat. If I saw this in the mirror tomorrow, I’d scream. According to the internet, thanks to some AI enhancement at the hands of Elon Musk’s Grok, I’m now a “Stacey” – or a “Stacy” if you’re in the US – a term, which originated in manosphere communities online, that denotes the “most attractive” tier of woman with a strict set of attributes, including big eyes, high cheekbones, a low BMI, an upturned nose and …

Stacey Solomon and Joe Swash’s BBC show future confirmed after marriage controversy

Stacey Solomon and Joe Swash’s BBC show future confirmed after marriage controversy

Published by Daniella Wilson

The BBC has confirmed that Stacey Solomon and Joe Swash’s fly-on-the-wall reality series, Stacey & Joe, will return for a third season on BBC One and iPlayer.  The recommission of the series follows recent scrutiny and public speculation regarding the legal status of the couple’s 2022 home wedding.  The upcoming series will continue to document daily life at Pickle Cottage as the couple manage their large household. With five children and multiple pets, the episodes will focus on the practical realities of their daily routines, parenting and domestic life.  In a statement, Joe and Stacey confirmed: “If you watched the first series, you’ll know we’ve been talking about the lakes for ages… it feels a bit surreal to finally see it coming to life. With the juggle of family life thrown in, we’re learning as we go, so we’ll be just as surprised as everyone else to see how it all unfolds!  © Getty Images for the NTA’sThe couple are coming back with another series of Stacey & Joe “A huge thank you to everyone …

From Olivia Attwood to Stacey Solomon, the baffling rise of the fake celebrity wedding

From Olivia Attwood to Stacey Solomon, the baffling rise of the fake celebrity wedding

Published by Daniella Wilson

Stay ahead of the curve with our weekly guide to the latest trends, fashion, relationships and more Stay ahead of the curve with our weekly guide to the latest trends, fashion, relationships and more Stay ahead of the curve with our weekly guide to the latest trends, fashion, relationships and more A £30,000 bridal gown. Ten thousand roses. Twelve episodes of reality TV. And… no marriage licence? In 2023, the Love Island star turned TV presenter Olivia Attwood documented the lead-up to her wedding to footballer boyfriend Bradley Dack in the ITV show Olivia Marries Her Match. In the final episode, which took viewers behind the scenes of their fancy ceremony at London’s Bvlgari Hotel, the bride and groom signed what appeared to be some official paperwork, formalising their newly-wedded status. Afterwards, they referred to each other as husband and wife, with Attwood swapping her surname for a newly hyphenated version on her social media accounts. They even recorded a special episode of her podcast all about wedded bliss. And if a celebrity couple says …

Stacey Solomon feeling ‘harassed’ following marriage reports

Stacey Solomon feeling ‘harassed’ following marriage reports

Published by Daniella Wilson

Stacey Solomon has spoken out after speculation surrounding her relationship with Joe Swash, addressing the rumours head-on in an emotional message shared with fans. The Loose Women star took to social media after receiving a wave of concerned messages, with one follower writing: “Hope you guys are ok.” © Getty Images for the NTA’sStacey breaks her silence after marriage rumours Responding directly, Stacey explained why she felt compelled to speak out. “So many of you have messaged me so I thought I’m just going to have to come on and say something,” she said. “I know you’re asking me this because of the massive pile-on I’ve had from the press over the past three months… about myself and Joe and our family.” Shutting down the speculation, Stacey didn’t hold back. “It’s nonsense,” she added, explaining that many of the stories circulating are either “outright made-up lies” or recycled information that has already been publicly shared. She reiterated the truth behind her wedding, clarifying that she and Joe had always been open about their plans. “I …

Taskmaster season 21 start date confirmed with Gavin & Stacey favourite

Taskmaster season 21 start date confirmed with Gavin & Stacey favourite

Published by Daniella Wilson

Taskmaster is returning for another hilarious outing on Channel 4, with Greg Davies and Alex Horne back for a 21st season of the show. And the good news is there isn’t long to go, with Taskmaster season 21 kicking off on Thursday 9 April at 9pm. Following on from season 20, new episodes will be released in the US on YouTube immediately after they are shown in the UK, giving fans Stateside a dose of the wacky comedy. The cast for season 21 was announced earlier this year, with Silicon Valley and Eternals star Kumail Nanjiani and The Thick of It and The Day Today creator Armando Iannucci among the line-up. Featuring alongside them are Gavin & Stacey actress Joanna Page, Last One Laughing comedian Amy Gledhill and The Masked Singer presenter Joel Dommett. Amy Gledhill, Armando Iannucci, Joanna Page, Joel Dommett and Kumail Nanjiani on Taskmaster. Channel 4 Horne previously shared a cryptic teaser about season 21 to Radio Times, and we may be in for something shocking… “There is a moment involving Kumail Nanjiani. …