Joanna Page admits she won't miss playing Gavin & Stacey character for one reason

Joanna Page has opened up about why she's ready to bid farewell to her iconic character, Stacey Shipman, in the hit BBC sitcom Gavin & Stacey.

As fans eagerly anticipate the show's finale on Christmas Day, Joanna appeared on The One Show alongside co-star Larry Lamb to discuss the emotional conclusion.

The 90-minute special remains shrouded in secrecy, but it's been revealed that Stacey and her husband Gavin are seeking ways to rekindle the spark in their 17-year marriage, while Pam Shipman is frantically preparing to host the family gathering in Billericay, Essex.

Reflecting on her initial encounter with the script 17 years ago, Joanna shared: "I just opened the script and thought 'I know this person' and to have something where I can be Welsh and use my own voice, you feel so much closer to the character."

The actress felt an instant connection to the characters, drawing parallels with her own life. "I know these characters."

"I know where they come from and I have had these experiences. My uncle Anthony is like Uncle Bryn, Gwen is my mother, she makes the perfect omelette. I know these people and I thought I've got to get the part of Stacey.", reports Wales Online.

After three series and two Christmas specials, creators Ruth Jones and James Corden confirmed earlier this year that the upcoming episode would mark the end of the beloved show. Discussing her feelings about potentially leaving behind her memorable character,

Joanna remarked: "I think Stacey is the closest character I've ever played to myself and people say to me 'are you going to miss her? ' and I think 'no, I'm not going to miss playing Stacey because she's here.

"She's in me and she'll always be there. The thing I will miss the most is the whole of our family, that has been the best bit, but Stacey will always be here."

Gavin & Stacey: The Finale airs Christmas Day on BBC One at 9pm