Gavin & Stacey Star Joanna Page Confesses Marriage Struggles and Separate Bed Arrangement
Joanna Page, the beloved actress best known for playing Stacey in the hit BBC sitcom Gavin & Stacey, has candidly revealed that parts of her 26-year marriage to husband James Thornton have been 'rubbish'. In an exclusive interview with the Daily Mail, the 48-year-old disclosed that she spent four years sleeping in a separate bed from her spouse, highlighting the raw realities of their long-term union.
Marriage Challenges and Personality Clashes
The actress, who frequently co-hosts the podcast Lush! with James, 50, the father of their four children, refused to sugarcoat their relationship. She described having 'massive arguments' and attributed their conflicts to fundamental temperament differences. 'He's quite slow, and northern and measured, and I'm very manic and hysterical next to him and very impulsive and fiery,' Joanna explained, noting they are rarely 'lovey dovey.'
Joanna suggested their marriage might not have survived if they had adopted the less patient approach she believes some younger couples take, in an apparent reference to recent high-profile splits like Olivia Attwood and Millie Mackintosh. 'These days, people say, it's not working, let's just split up,' she remarked, emphasizing the importance of perseverance.
Secret to a Lasting Union
Despite its flaws, the marriage has endured, and the couple are now preparing to offer a warts-and-all insight into their life together on their podcast, where they will also dispense advice to other couples. Joanna shared her secret to sustaining such a long union: 'Be prepared, you have to work at marriage, don't give up at the first sign of hard work. Always be kind and have a good sense of humour.'
She elaborated on the ups and downs, stating: 'If you're going through 26 years of marriage like me, it's not always going to be wonderful, it's going to be pretty rubbish, and sometimes, you end up hating each other, you get bored of each other, they will really annoy you, and suddenly it will be wonderful again.'
Family Life and Awkward Gavin & Stacey Moments
Joanna met fellow actor James on the set of the BBC costume drama David Copperfield in 1999, and they married four years later. They have since welcomed four children: Eva, 13, Kit, 10, Noah, nine, and Boe, four. Navigating life with a teenager at home has given Joanna fresh sympathy for James, as she witnesses her daughter Eva's mood swings firsthand. 'I'm like, 'Oh my God, is this what it's been like living with me all these years?'' she admitted, recalling instances of door slamming and emotional outbursts.
Now that Eva is a teenager, Joanna says she is finally old enough to watch Gavin & Stacey, leading to some awkward viewing at home. She cringed during scenes in the opening episode when her character Stacey first meets love interest Gavin, played by Mathew Horne, which culminate in the pair spending the night together in a London hotel. 'My God, there were bits especially in the first series that I really had to fast-forward,' Joanna confessed.
Podcast as Couples' Therapy and Future Projects
Joanna has admitted that co-hosting her new podcast Lush! with her husband has been like 'couples' therapy' for the married pair. Initially, James was nervous about the venture, but Joanna described how a recording session helped them reconnect after an argument. 'We talked and talked and talked and when it finished, he was like a new man,' she said, highlighting the liberating experience of discussing intimate topics openly.
Regarding the future of Gavin & Stacey, which concluded in 2024 with a blockbuster finale watched by over 18 million viewers, Joanna has all but dismissed talk of a reboot with a new cast. 'I don't think it will ever happen,' she stated, expressing her territorial attachment to the character of Stacey.
National Lottery Open Week Collaboration
Joanna's latest collaboration is with The National Lottery Open Week, which runs from March 7-15. The initiative gives ticket holders free entry and exclusive discounts at hundreds of venues across the UK, shining a spotlight on the nation's 'hidden gems.' As a mother of four, Joanna understands the value of family-friendly discoveries and explained: 'The National Lottery raises £32million every single week to good causes... as a thank you, they are going to be offering free entry and special offers.'
She highlighted specific venues like Dyffryn Gardens in Wales and Hay Castle, as well as community-focused activities such as free taster sessions at Newport Cricket Club for 5–11-year-olds. This partnership comes as new research reveals a surge in people seeking unique experiences over viral hotspots, with mentions of 'hidden gems' increasing by 125% since 2021.
In summary, Joanna Page's honest revelations about her marriage, combined with her podcasting endeavors and charitable work, paint a picture of a resilient and multifaceted public figure navigating the complexities of long-term relationships and family life in the spotlight.
