Gavin and Stacey Series 1 Trivia Quiz

Answer: James Corden and Ruth Jones

Ruth Jones and James Corden who play Nessa and Smithy in the programme met while making the series of 'Fat Friends'. Their friendship developed into a writing partnership when James Corden hit upon the idea for 'Gavin and Stacey' while he was attending a friend's wedding reception, and was idly wondering about the stories behind the couple - how they had met, and how their families related to each other.

Answer: Via the telephone at work

The first programme opened with Gavin and Stacey, played by Matthew Horne and Joanna Page, excitedly organising their first face-to-face meeting in London following months of flirting on the phone from their work places in Barry, South Wales, and Billericay in Essex. They enlisted the support of their friends Nessa and Smithy (Ruth Jones and James Corden) for moral support.

Answer: An omelet

Gwen, played by Melanie Walters, was Stacey's mother, a widow with an amazing array of omelet recipes which she offered to her visitors at every opportunity.

Answer: Vegetarian

Pam (Alison Steadman) was afraid that Stacey's family might be vegetarians when they came to visit, and provided vast amounts of vegetarian options. In order to cover her embarrassment when none of them were, she pretended that she was. Much of the humour in later episodes of the series came from the fact that she had to keep up this pretence, despite craving meat.

Answer: Oh - what's occurrin'?

The iconic Nessa, played by Ruth Jones, provided much of Wales with a new 'catchphrase' when the series became popular, but I have never heard ANYONE deliver the greeting in the same way as she does!

Answer: A gym

Uncle Bryn (played by the inimitable Rob Brydon) saw it as his role to look after the family of his late brother (Stacey's father, Trevor). He was fascinated by gadgets such as Sat Nav and the internet, loved the film 'Brokeback Mountain' and the music of James Blunt, and had gymnastic equipment installed in a spare bedroom in his home. Smithy (James Corden) enjoyed Bryn's hospitality on visits to Barry, and made use of the gym with huge encouragement from Bryn.

Answer: Amusement arcade cashier

Nessa (Ruth Jones) is an icon! Despite working in a 'humble' amusement arcade she is by no means a dull character. Throughout the series her past life is hinted at - and it is fascinating! From close encounters with one of Gladys Knight's Pips and a relationship with John Prescott, to her claim to have been one of the original 'All Saints' she revealed herself to be a totally intriguing person.

In fact she would merit an entire quiz to herself... Hmmmmm!

Answer: On the platform at Paddington Station

Gavin was seeing Stacey off on the train after her first visit to his home. He wasn't allowed to go onto the platform as he didn't have a ticket. As he was leaving he suddenly changed his mind, leaped over the barrier and proposed to her on the platform. Sadly, his actions alerted the police who arrested him at gunpoint, suspecting terrorist activities, leaving Stacey to put the ring on herself, shouting 'It fits!' as he was carted off.

Answer: Matt Lucas

Almost unrecognisable in an unfortunate wig, 'Little Britain' star Matt Lucas as Jammy inspired Smithy with his ludicrously lavish and over-the-top ideas for a wild stag weekend. The more practical Gavin was not impressed, however, and the actual stag nights were very low-key affairs.

Answer: West and Shipman

Gwen's next door neighbour, Doris, was the one to point out to the characters about the unfortunate combination of the names of two of Britain's most notorious mass murderers. Stacey West shares her name with Fred and Rosemary West who were responsible for the murder of at least 12 women, while Gavin Shipman is the namesake of Harold Shipman, a doctor who is thought to have been responsible for the deaths of more than 200 of his elderly patients.

The murderous connection is compounded by friends of Gavin's family in Essex being called Pete and Dawn Sutcliffe, which was the name of the notorious 'Yorkshire Ripper' who murdered 13 women in the 1970's.