Joanna Page and Ruth Jones, the beloved stars of the iconic TV show ‘Gavin and Stacey’, have come together to pay tribute to their late co-star Margaret John. Margaret portrayed the character of Doris O’Neill on the show and left a lasting impact on her fellow actors. The actress sadly passed away in 2011 at the age of 84, but her legacy lives on in the hearts of those who worked alongside her.
As the much-anticipated final ‘Gavin and Stacey’ Christmas special for 2024 approaches, Joanna Page and Ruth Jones took a moment to reflect on their fond memories of Margaret John. In a recent interview on BBC Sounds’ ‘Barry Island Discs’, Joanna Page, known for her role as Stacey Shipman, shared her admiration for Margaret’s character development throughout the series. She fondly recalled how Doris’ character grew to be bolder and more vibrant with each season.
Ruth Jones, who not only played the lovable Nessa Jenkins but also co-created ‘Gavin and Stacey’ alongside James Corden, reminisced about the casting process that led them to Margaret John. She revealed that director Chris Gernon knew instantly that Margaret was the perfect fit for the role of Doris. Ruth Jones expressed her gratitude for having had the opportunity to work with Margaret and witness her talent firsthand.
Joanna Page, now 47, shared a personal anecdote from her time filming with Margaret John, describing the late actress as “hilarious” and “lovely”. She recounted a scene where Margaret’s character, Doris, offered saucy advice to Stacey Shipman, played by Joanna Page, during a memorable bus stop encounter. The genuine camaraderie and laughter shared on set is a testament to the special bond the cast members formed during their time together.
One particularly memorable moment that Joanna recalled was when Margaret’s character, Doris, attempted to play the drums at Neil the Baby’s christening, while Rob Brydon’s Uncle Bryn sang Labi Siffre’s ‘So Strong’. The scene, filled with laughter and heartwarming charm, showcased Margaret’s endearing presence on-screen. Joanna shared how the cast, including Rob Brydon, found joy in Margaret’s nervous but comedic drumming performance.
The chemistry and camaraderie between the ‘Gavin and Stacey’ cast members extended off-screen as well, with Joanna Page and Ruth Jones cherishing the memories they shared with Margaret John. As fans gear up for the final Christmas special of the beloved series, the heartfelt tributes from Joanna and Ruth serve as a reminder of the enduring impact Margaret had on all those who had the pleasure of working with her.
In conclusion, the legacy of Margaret John, through her role as Doris O’Neill on ‘Gavin and Stacey’, continues to be celebrated by her former co-stars and fans alike. Joanna Page and Ruth Jones’ touching tributes shed light on the vibrant spirit and talent that Margaret brought to the screen, leaving an indelible mark on the hearts of those who knew her. As the curtains close on the iconic series, the memory of Margaret John lives on through the timeless moments she shared with her fellow actors and viewers around the world.