John Prescott once made a surprise cameo in an episode of much-loved BBC sitcom Gavin & Stacey.
The late deputy prime minister, who passed away last night at the age of 86, had a starring role in the third series of the show, which saw Nessa walk down the aisle to marry Dave Coaches - but not without a few of her ex-lovers watching on in the church.
After claiming to have dated everyone from TV presenter Richard Madeley to actor Nigel Havers, someone else whose name frequently popped up as one of Nessa's fictional 'conquests' was John. He even got a name drop when she found out she was having Smithy's baby.
Speaking about the shock news, Nessa tells best friend Stacey: "I just can't believe it, Stace. Of all the people I've slept with, it's him [Smithy] who gets me pregnant. Not Nigel Havers, not John Prescott, not any of Goldie Lookin Chain. No, some k***head from Essex.."
Image:
BBC)Showing he's a good sport, John agreed to make a cameo in Gavin & Stacey during the memorable episode in 2010. Arriving at the church, he shook hands with Nessa's husband-to-be Dave ahead of the service. "Hello, congratulations," John said as he entered the church, as Dave replied: "Cheers John, nice to see you."
In real life, John earned the nickname John 'Two Jags' Prescott as he owned one Jaguar, and had the use of another as his official ministerial car. Nessa bragged of their 'relationship': "I had full use of one of the Jags. If it wasn't for him I'd probably still be in jail." She also made reference to his famous punch up with a civilian who egged him while he was out campaigning.
Reminiscing, Nessa said: "This reminds me very much of my time with John Prescott. I had the lot. Flat in Westminster. Didn't even have to cook. And a crackin' social life. Many a night we'd have David Blunkett round for dinner. But I remember clearly thinking this is not the life for me. And I turned to him and said, 'I don't see the point.' Dave said neither did he. He could be very dry. I left that night and never looked back. Cos I knew I'd only ever be happy in Barry."
Asked how John took the break-up, Nessa added: "He took it bad. He went mad he did, shouting and fighting. Next day he punched a civilian. When I saw it on the telly, I knew that punch was meant for me."
Writing on his blog at the time, John said: 'I've got to say I thoroughly enjoyed my cameo in Gavin and Stacey. I'd heard about this running joke about me and this woman called Nessa in the series. Ruth [Jones], who plays Nessa, got in touch and asked if I'd be a sport and play a part." He jokingly added: "Well the secret's out... As for Nessa, I suppose I have to accept it appears I've lost out to a better man."
Every Gavin & Stacey fan knows Nessa famously called off the wedding to Dave after Smithy arrived at the church holding Neil 'The Baby' and declared his feelings for her. But fans are eagerly awaiting this year's Christmas Day special to see if Smithy and Nessa will finally get together after Nessa got down on one knee when it was last aired in 2019.
Do you have a story to share? Email me at katie.wilson01@reachplc.com
Follow Mirror Celebs on TikTok , Snapchat , Instagram , Twitter , Facebook , YouTube and Threads
)
English (US) ·