The actor who plays Owain Hughes in Gavin and Stacey has shared the truth behind the long-running name joke in the show.
BBC programme Gavin and Stacey quickly won over the nation when it premiered way back in 2007. Running for three series, until 2010, Gavin and Stacey has since been dubbed as one of the best British sitcoms of the 21st century.
Following the lives of love birds Stacey (Joanna Page) and Gavin (Matthew Horne), and their family and friends, the show has amassed a loyal legion of fans.
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This year, the gang are reuniting for one last hurrah, with the final episode airing on Christmas Day, marking the third Christmas special of the series. Creators and stars of the show, James Corden, who plays Smithy, and Ruth Jones, who plays Nessa, confirmed the news and sent the internet into a frenzy.
And while Gavin and Stacey has provided countless iconic jokes and gags over the years, there are a few that have been left seriously stumped – including the joke about Owain Hughes.
The character, played by Steve Meo, made his first appearance in series three episode one, as Gavin’s new Welsh co-worker. After meeting for the first time, he introduced himself as: “Owain Hughes, and before you ask… No I don’t!”
He then started giggling, along with their other co-worker who understood the joke, but Gavin looked baffled. What’s more, Gavin’s uncle-in-law Bryn West (Rob Brydon) is also in on the gag.
Arriving at Gavin’s office, Gavin introduced Bryn to Owain. The beloved uncle said: “Owain Hughes! And do you?” Owain replied: “No I don’t,” before he and his co-worker started laughing again.
And later on in the episode, Gavin quizzed best mate Smithy (James Corden) on the joke – who was left equally as confused.
And it’s fair to say over the years fans have been left seriously baffled over what the truth is behind the name joke. Now, actor Steve Meo has revealed the truth.
However, according to Steve, it isn’t as deep as people might think. He told WalesOnline: “It is a red herring designed to infuriate and spark debate.”
He added: “Funnily enough when I first went in for the audition that’s the first thing I asked Ruth (Jones, co-creator) ‘there isn’t a joke is there because I’m going mad.’”
The actor then revealed how Gavin and Stacey fans are that keen to find out the truth about the joke, his mum was ambushed in a Tesco supermarket.
Recalling a phone call he received from his mum in the supermarket, Steve said: “She said ‘right, you’ve got to tell me. The manager’s just said over the tannoy now that if anyone can tell him what the joke means they’ll get a free bottle of wine.’ I said ‘sorry mam, I’m contractually obliged not to tell you.'” Steve added.
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Source: Celebrities - dailystar.co.uk
