Gavin and Stacey actors pay tribute to late star who died before finale

ok.co.uk:

The late Gavin and Stacey star Margaret John, who delighted audiences as the cheeky Doris O’Neill, has been fondly remembered by Joanna Page and Ruth Jones.

With emotions running high ahead of the final 2024 Christmas special of the hit BBC sitcom, the two actresses shared heartfelt memories during a segment on BBC Sounds titled Barry Island Discs.

Joanna, who played Stacey Shipman, reminisced: "Working with Maggie John has got to be one of the highlights of Gavin and Stacey." She added, reflecting on Doris's evolution, "I just love how her character got bigger and worse and saucier and sexier as the series went on." Meanwhile, Ruth also the show's co-creator alongside James Corden, revealed director Chris Gernon knew straight away that Margaret was meant for the role of Doris.The Nessa Jenkins actress recalled: "I do remember when we were casting Gavin and Stacey and we had this character of Doris, the next-door neighbour who was a little bit rude. "Chris Gernon, our director, said ‘I know exactly the actress to play that part - it's Maggie John.’ " Joanna also shared a chuckle thinking back to her first filming experience with Margaret, labelling the iconic actress "hilarious".

She recounted: "From, I think, the first series, I always remember filming it because it was my first scene as well. "Getting off the bus, walking across the road and going ‘Alright Dor?' and then she gives me advice on what I should be like when I travel up to London to see Gavin, and she gives me a little bit of saucy advice." From that moment I just thought 'Oh my god, this woman is just so hilarious and lovely, and brilliant.' Ruth continued: "He was quite nervous when he was doing it, Rob, because he wanted to do it well.