Gavin and Stacey fans were over the moon on Christmas Day when the much-anticipated finale aired – and they were treated to an unexpected moment in the episode.
The finale answered many lingering questions from the previous special and saw the return of beloved characters. As reported by the Mirror, after a five-year wait to find out if Smithy said ‘yes’ or ‘no’ to Nessa’s proposal, the new episode focused on Smithy’s impending wedding to Sonia.
However, viewers were left confused about one particular moment during the wedding ceremony. As the entire cast – including Gavin and Stacey, Pam and Mick, Pete and Dawn, Gwen, Brynn and Jason, and even ‘Dave Coaches’ – reunited for one last time, Oscar Hartland, who plays Smithy and Nessa’s son Neil, delivered a touching performance of The Beatles’ hit song, Blackbird.
Despite fitting perfectly into the episode, many were left scratching their heads as to why it was included. However, after looking into Oscar’s past TV appearances, it was revealed that the young actor had previously competed in The Voice Kids last year and has an amazing voice. TV critic and broadcaster Scott Bryan explained earlier this week: “Baby Neil, who was actually one of the… babies in Gavin and Stacey when it first debuted, he was in The Voice, and they loved him in The Voice, so that’s why he sings in the film.”
During his stint on the show in 2023, Oscar expressed his desire to be recognized for his talents, saying: “People know me for being Neil the Baby in Gavin and Stacey, which I absolutely love, but now I wanna be known for my music and singing.”, reports OK!. In an interview with The Sun, he discussed his experience on the competition show, stating: “It was weird being on the studio stage without the band, but I thought I’d just do what I do with the boys and hopefully get a result out of it. I went into it wanting Danny to turn, or Ronan. But it was really something.”
Ruth Jones, who plays Nessa, offered her support in a video message, saying: “We knows what’s occurring, you’re on The Voice Kids. Don’t forget you takes after your mother when it comes to music.” She continued in character: “Go out there and you smash it kid alright? Crackin’.”
Oscar’s character was conceived following a one night stand between Nessa and Smithy amid their tumultuous relationship. Neil appeared on screens for the first time in the finale of season two in 2008. He last made an appearance along with the rest of the cast in the 2019 Christmas special.
Oscar was barely recognisable as he walked the red carpet at the Gavin & Stacey: The Finale screening in London in a white T-shirt, baggy jeans and a red star-patterned cardigan. Away from his role as Neil, the star has turned his attention to music. He is the guitarist and co-frontman of South Wales band Redwood City and last year he even competed on The Voice Kids as a solo artist.
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