Instant Chemistry: Kissing Minutes After Meeting
Mathew Horne and Joanna Page, who played the iconic TV couple Gavin and Stacey, have revealed that they kissed just two minutes after meeting for the first time. The actors, reuniting for a new podcast, recalled their initial audition where they were asked to perform a kissing scene without an intimacy coordinator. Page admitted feeling nervous meeting Horne, known for his role on The Catherine Tate Show, but the pair quickly clicked.
A Love Story That Resonated Nationwide
The BBC sitcom, created by Ruth Jones and James Corden, followed the romance between Essex boy Gavin and Welsh girl Stacey. The show ran for three series and a 2019 Christmas special, which became one of the most-watched scripted TV programs of the century. Margot Robbie recently named it her favorite show, even sending a DVD collection to Bette Midler after enthusing about it in a restaurant.
Favourite Romantic Moments
Horne cherished the 2019 special scene on Barry promenade where Page gave him a beer mat, describing it as intimate and tender despite being filmed around thousands of people. Page loved simple moments like sharing chips and the emotional argument scenes, particularly when Gavin discovers Stacey's five previous engagements. She also highlighted the infertility storyline, which resonated deeply with many couples.
Real-Life Bond and Fan Reactions
The actors emphasized their unique off-screen friendship, forged by the shared experience of playing the beloved couple. Page noted that people often tell her they are 'real-life Gavin and Staceys,' and some have named children or pets after the characters. Horne recalled a fan who tattooed Smithy's curry order on his stomach. Page keeps Stacey's denim jacket and yellow dress from the finale, while Horne treasures the beer mat and their read-through script.
Lessons on Love
Horne believes the couple's connection was purely emotional, not physical, while Page advises that love cannot be forced. 'When it hits you, it hits you,' she said, adding that Gavin and Stacey were completely themselves, which is the key to a lasting relationship.
