With the highly anticipated final Christmas special of Gavin and Stacey set to air on December 25, 2024, cast members Joanna Page and Ruth Jones took time to pay tribute to the late Margaret John, who played the unforgettable character Doris O'Neill. John's legacy continues to resonate with fans and former co-stars alike, highlighting her vibrant contributions to the series as they prepare for its grand finale.
Margaret John passed away at the age of 84 back in 2011, but her spirited portrayal of Doris, the endearing and cheeky neighbor to Ruth's character Nessa and James Corden's Gavin, remains etched in the hearts of viewers. Both Page and Jones reminisced about their experiences with John during filming, sharing fond anecdotes and the humor she brought to the set.
“Working with Maggie John has got to be one of the highlights of Gavin and Stacey,” Joanna Page said during her appearance on BBC Sounds' Barry Island Discs. The actress, who portrays Stacey Shipman, fondly recalled how John's character evolved throughout the series. “I just love how her character got bigger and worse and saucier and sexier as the series went on,” Page enthusiastically noted.
Meanwhile, Ruth Jones, who co-created the series with James Corden and also took on the beloved role of Nessa, spoke about the casting of John as Doris. “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 this part - it’s Maggie John,’” shared Jones. This insightful decision set the stage for John to bring her unique flair and humor to the series.
Page reminisced about arriving on set for her first scene with John, recalling the immediate connection she felt. She described their initial encounter as filled with warmth and laughter. “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,” Page recounted. These delightful exchanges captured the heart of what made John's performance so memorable.
One particularly comical moment shared by Page stemmed from Doris trying to play the drums at Neil the Baby’s christening, where Rob Brydon's character Uncle Bryn was singing Labi Siffre’s song “So Strong.” Page remembered how Brydon was quite nervous during the performance, wanting to nail it perfectly. “I was sitting in the pews laughing all the way through, desperately trying to keep it together,” she said, recalling the delightful chaos of the moment.
She described it as one of the best days of filming, noting how Doris's attempts on the drums were both hilarious and heartwarming. “She would wait like a second and then go ‘boom’ so it was always unintentionally late with the timing. It was absolutely hilarious,” Page remembered passionately, highlighting the endearing charm John brought to the show.
The duo’s reflections come at the perfect time, as the final episode of Gavin and Stacey is eagerly awaited by fans. With such touching tributes leading the way, viewers will certainly feel the impact of Margaret John’s legacy as they watch Doris's character once again.
For many fans, Gavin and Stacey isn't merely just another sitcom—it's steeped in memory, nostalgia, and the spirit of connection. The interplay between all characters, especially with Margaret John's memorable role as Doris, encapsulates the quirks of everyday life, and the totality of those experiences will likely resonate throughout the upcoming special episode.
The final episode scheduled for Christmas night is expected to be filled with camaraderie, humor, and poignant moments as we say goodbye (for now) to these beloved characters who have held their place on screen since 2007.