Joanna Page, the beloved Welsh actress best known for her role as Stacey in the hit sitcom Gavin and Stacey, has revealed harrowing details about an incident in which she was groped by a television host. The revelation comes from her new autobiography, Lush!: My Story – From Swansea To Stacey And Everything In Between, which is set to hit the shelves on September 25, 2025, according to Metro and The Times.
Page, now 48, recounted the distressing event in both her memoir and a recent interview with The Times. She described being forewarned by a female producer before her appearance on the show, who told her that the host was “probably going to start touching you” and could be “very handsy.” The warning, while meant to prepare her, only heightened her anxiety. “I was already nervous about meeting him, but that made it worse as I sat there waiting for him to spring on me,” Page recalled, as reported by Metro.
The incident unfolded during the filming of the program. “Halfway through filming, he starts groping me,” Page told The Times. She didn’t hesitate to defend herself, recounting, “I hit his hands and said: ‘What do you think you’re bloody doing? Keep your f***ing hands to yourself! … Jesus, I feel like I’m in Bristol Zoo being mauled by the lions.’” The host, she said, stopped after her forceful response. “It was bizarre, a female producer telling you this was going to happen, but it’s what you got used to,” Page added, highlighting a troubling culture of expectation and resignation in the industry.
For legal reasons, Page is unable to name the host involved. “The legal people said: ‘Be careful!’” she explained to The Times, indicating that her legal team had advised against identifying the individual. While the lack of a name may leave some readers frustrated, it underscores the complexities and constraints faced by many in the entertainment world when speaking out about misconduct.
This isn’t the first time Page has found herself grappling with uncomfortable situations in show business. She also recounted her experience with a 2009 FHM magazine cover shoot. Page agreed to the photoshoot on the strict condition that she would not pose in her underwear. However, upon arrival, she was presented with a selection of bras and knickers. Feeling pressured, she threatened to leave unless her boundaries were respected. The team eventually compromised, allowing her to pose in “big pants and a vest.” As Page put it, “I’m a tomboyish person. In private, I feel sexy, I don’t have any hang-ups there, but on screen I want to play the quirky, kooky ones. I can’t do the sexy poses and faces.”
Page’s candidness about her discomfort with the expectations placed on women in the media industry is striking. Her ability to stand her ground, both during the groping incident and the FHM shoot, offers a rare glimpse into the behind-the-scenes pressures that many female performers endure. The normalization of inappropriate behavior, especially when forewarned by colleagues, paints a sobering picture of the entertainment industry’s culture—a culture that, in some cases, has led women to expect and brace for such encounters rather than be shielded from them.
Despite these challenges, Joanna Page’s career has flourished. She rose to fame as Stacey Shipman in Gavin and Stacey, a show that became a cultural phenomenon in the UK. The sitcom, co-created by James Corden and Ruth Jones, aired its final episode in 2024. That last episode captivated audiences, drawing an impressive 12.3 million overnight viewers when it aired on BBC One on Christmas Day, according to Press Association. The show’s enduring popularity was further cemented when it took home the comedy award at the National Television Awards in early September 2025.
Page’s versatility as a performer is evident in her diverse body of work. Beyond Gavin and Stacey, she has appeared in acclaimed films such as From Hell (2001) and the holiday classic Love Actually (2003). She also co-hosted the BBC podcast Off The Telly alongside soap actress Natalie Cassidy, showcasing her talents beyond acting and into the world of broadcasting.
In her memoir, Page traces her journey from her Swansea roots to national stardom, weaving in personal anecdotes and industry insights. The book promises not only behind-the-scenes stories from her rise to fame but also a frank discussion of the challenges and indignities she—and many other women—have faced along the way. According to Metro, Lush! is as much about her personal growth and resilience as it is about her professional achievements.
Page’s revelations come at a time when conversations about workplace harassment and the treatment of women in entertainment have become increasingly prominent. The #MeToo movement, which gained momentum in 2017, has prompted many in the industry to speak out about their experiences, leading to greater public awareness and, in some cases, meaningful changes. Yet, as Page’s story demonstrates, the problem is far from solved. The fact that she was warned about the host’s behavior—and that this warning came from another woman—suggests that such conduct remains an open secret in some circles.
The response to Page’s disclosures has been one of both support and reflection. Many fans and fellow actors have expressed admiration for her courage in sharing her story. Others have called for greater accountability within the industry, emphasizing the need for robust mechanisms to protect performers and staff from harassment and abuse.
Page’s decision to refrain from naming her alleged assailant, while frustrating for some, is a reminder of the legal and professional risks that whistleblowers often face. Defamation laws in the UK are notoriously strict, and the fear of legal repercussions can be a significant deterrent for those considering speaking out. Page’s experience underscores the importance of creating environments where victims feel safe and supported in coming forward.
As Lush!: My Story – From Swansea To Stacey And Everything In Between prepares for its release, it’s clear that Joanna Page’s story will resonate with many—both within and beyond the entertainment industry. Her willingness to confront uncomfortable truths, coupled with her trademark wit and warmth, ensures that her voice will be heard. The book is not just a celebrity memoir; it’s a call to action for greater respect, empathy, and change in workplaces everywhere.
Joanna Page’s journey from Swansea to stardom has been marked by both triumph and adversity. Her openness about the realities she’s faced offers readers not just insight into her own life, but a broader perspective on the challenges that persist in the world of entertainment. With her memoir, she invites us all to reflect, to listen, and, perhaps most importantly, to do better.
