Gavin & Stacey actress Alison Steadman admits why she never married famous partner

Gavin & Stacey's Alison Steadman has opened up about her decision not to walk down the aisle with long-term partner Michael Elwyn.

The cherished actress, known for her role as Pam Shipman on Gavin & Stacey, has been in a relationship with Elwyn for 28 years without feeling the impulse to marry.

With two sons from her previous marriage to Mike Leigh, Alison, now aged 78, spoke to Saga magazine about her contentment saying: "I've been with my partner, the actor Michael Elwyn for 28 years. Marriage isn't necessary for us."

She added: "We are quite content; we don't need that. We both love bird-watching - I couldn't live without the feeders at the back of my North London flat."

Reflecting on her well-lived years she said: "I'm 78 and sometimes feel a bit down. Then I say: 'Stop it. You have a good life, you are still working and you are healthy.' I am very lucky."

Fans can look forward to Alison's return in the Gavin and Stacey Christmas special, set to be the last episode, where she will shine once more alongside co-stars such as James Corden and Ruth Jones.

The final curtain call of the show promises an end to the quirky romance that captured hearts since its 2007 inception, reports Wales Online.

Alison expressed her enthusiasm for reprising her role in the beloved sitcom to a magazine, saying: "I'm looking forward to being back as Pamela in the Christmas special of Gavin and Stacey.

"The expectations have grown, so everybody I see in the street says: 'Can't wait for Gavin and Stacey,' which makes me think: 'I hope I don't let you down.'"

She also shared her affection for her character: "I love playing Pamela (Gavin's mum) as she has a warmth to her, she's quirky, and she has her little rows her her husband Mick."

Fans can catch Alison on Saturday Kitchen today (Saturday, December 14) with Matt Tebbutt at 10am on BBC One.