Gavin & Stacey's baby Neil actor's life off-screen with hopes of music career

Fans of Gavin and Stacey are in for a treat this Christmas Day, as the beloved BBC sitcom makes a comeback with a final episode to seal its legacy. The special will answer the big question on whether Nessa, played by Ruth Jones, and Smithy, portrayed by James Corden, have tied the knot.

It's also an opportunity to catch up with the Shipman and West families, who we've missed since their last appearance on screen in Christmas 2019. All of the sitcom's iconic characters are returning for the finale, including Neil the Baby - Nessa and Smithy's son.

Oscar Hartland has played Neil since he was a baby in Gavin and Stacey, having last appeared in the role during the 2019 Christmas special.

When not embodying Neil, 17 year old Oscar's talents stretch beyond acting; he's a musician, guitarist, and co-vocalist for Redwood City from South Wales, and previously flaunted his musical talents on The Voice Kids in 2023.

Oscar previously opened up about finding fame at a young age, telling The Sun: "I grew up knowing I was Neil The Baby, but it was after the Christmas special that my life literally turned around. I went from a kid that was in a show when he was a baby to a kid in a TV – even going into the supermarket was mad."

Viewers are eagerly counting down to see Oscar back as Neil in Gavin and Stacey: The Finale, desperate to find out what he and his on-screen family have been up to over the past five years, reports the Liverpool Echo.

The teaser for the eagerly awaited finale reveals: "It's five years since we left Nessa down on one knee declaring her love for Smithy and asking him to marry her. And a lot has happened in those five years."

It goes on to say: "In Barry, Bryn's packing the Picasso in readiness for a trip to Essex; Stacey and Gavin are looking for new ways to spice up their seventeen year marriage and Gwen is behaving most strangely. Nessa's started a new business venture and Neil the Baby's about to begin an apprenticeship with his dad."

"Over in Billericay Pam is stressing out at the prospect of playing hostess, not helped by a newly retired Mick practicing his golf swings in the living room and there have been more ups and downs in Pete and Dawn's relationship. Join us on the journey to Barry and Billericay as we catch up with the Shipmans and the Wests for the very last time and maybe find out what exactly did happen on that fishing trip."

Gavin and Stacey: The Finale will air on 25 December on BBC One and iPlayer at 9pm