​Gavin And Stacey’s Alison Steadman Says Filming Christmas Special Was ‘Like A Family Reunion’

The 73-year-old said: "It was brilliant. It was so good to be back on Barry Island! I really was quite nervous about it because expectations are so high.

"I thought, 'Can I do it again? Can I get the character back properly?' But as soon as we were all back together it was just like a family reunion. At the end we were all really sad to say goodbye."

While Steadman admitted she's not anything like her loveable, over-the-top on-screen counterpart - who she's portrayed since the show debuted in 2007 - she said that doesn't mean she hasn't got a soft spot for Pam.

She said: "I'm not like Pam at all but I love playing her.

"People send me pictures of Pam saying: 'Oh My Christ!' and 'Oh my Christmas!'

The star also explained how she had convinced herself a reunion would never be happening, as Ruth Jones had become involved in other projects while her co-creator James Corden had become a 'big star' across the pond.

She continued: "I thought, how are they going to sit down and write Gavin and Stacey? Then I suddenly got a message from Ruth saying: 'If this were to happen, would you be up for it?'

"I nearly dropped the phone!"

Filming for the Christmas special of the BAFTA-winning BBC sitcom started back in July, with the new episode penned by Jones and Corden.

When it was announced, a press release from the pair read: "Over the last ten years we've talked a lot about Gavin and Stacey - where they might be today and what their lives might look like.

"And so in secret we took the plunge and wrote this one-hour special. We've loved revisiting Barry and Essex again and bringing the characters back together has been a joy.

"We're so excited to get the chance to work with our fabulous cast and crew once more and to give fans of the show a festive treat this Christmas. Thank you BBC for helping to make this happen."