Gavin & Stacey Finale Role Was Career High Point, Says Bafta-Winning Actress Rakie Ayola
Award-winning Welsh actress Rakie Ayola has reflected on her appearance in the final episode of BBC comedy Gavin & Stacey, describing it as a defining career moment.
Ayola, known for acclaimed television roles in The Pact, Silent Witness, Casualty and Doctor Who, played the registrar who officiated the long-awaited wedding of Nessa and Smithy — the characters played by series writers Ruth Jones and James Corden.
Standing between Jones and Corden during filming, Ayola was suddenly struck by the significance of the moment.
She said: "I thought wow, look at me.
So this is the most important and influential minute of my career." The Cardiff-born actress revealed the opportunity arose after a chance encounter with Ruth Jones at a theatre.
Jones contacted her a few days later with the offer of one remaining scene in the final episode, and Ayola correctly guessed it involved a wedding.
Ayola is a recipient of the Bafta Cymru Sian Phillips Award, presented to Welsh individuals who have made a significant contribution to film or television.
She is currently filming The Party, a new five-part drama alongside fellow Welsh actors Luke Evans and Tom Cullen.
The drama, based on Elizabeth Day's acclaimed novel, centres on a journalist shaped by friendship with a powerful politician.
It is backed by Creative Wales and is due to air this autumn.
Ayola, known for acclaimed television roles in The Pact, Silent Witness, Casualty and Doctor Who, played the registrar who officiated the long-awaited wedding of Nessa and Smithy — the characters played by series writers Ruth Jones and James Corden.
Standing between Jones and Corden during filming, Ayola was suddenly struck by the significance of the moment.
She said: "I thought wow, look at me.
So this is the most important and influential minute of my career." The Cardiff-born actress revealed the opportunity arose after a chance encounter with Ruth Jones at a theatre.
Jones contacted her a few days later with the offer of one remaining scene in the final episode, and Ayola correctly guessed it involved a wedding.
Ayola is a recipient of the Bafta Cymru Sian Phillips Award, presented to Welsh individuals who have made a significant contribution to film or television.
She is currently filming The Party, a new five-part drama alongside fellow Welsh actors Luke Evans and Tom Cullen.
The drama, based on Elizabeth Day's acclaimed novel, centres on a journalist shaped by friendship with a powerful politician.
It is backed by Creative Wales and is due to air this autumn.