Gavin and Stacey back on BBC Three

Hoorah for the return of Gavin and Stacey! I loved the first series and since moving to Cardiff have even been on mini pilgrimages to Barry to have an explore (a much under-rated place I might have you know – lovely tea shops). I’ve just caught up on the first two episodes on the BBC iplayer and they don’t disappoint.

So far the opening double bill is even funnier than the first series. The characters are settled in and with every new piece of information about each one, they become even better. Scene-stealer has to be Nessa – a brilliant part and Ruth Jones is fantastic. “Then I found out some things about Pete Townsend I didn’t like. All I say is, where’s the book?” Something I myself have been wondering, but didn’t think anyone would have the balls to say on the BBC! I love the references to her dark sexual background and her many famous conquests. I’m not sure I’d be so matter-of-fact if I’d had an affair with Richard Madeley… Best Nessa line was the bit about Hear’say (probably lost on anyone not aged 20-50) – as with many of the cultural references, but that doesn’t bother me. I’d love to really know what Noel is up to now…

Although Gavin and Stacey are the title characters, it’s really an ensemble piece and everyone in the cast is perfect. Mathew Horne and Joanna Page are really endearing as the loved-up couple and not at all nauseating. Alison Steadman is hilarious and Rob Brydon is just a genius. They seem to bounce well off each other and I don’t know how they don’t all giggle the whole way through recording as I had so many laugh-out-loud moments.

It’s really well put together with a sharp eye for the hilarity in the everyday. Suburban Essex and Barry Island juxtapose nicely and the clash of the families is done very lovingly. It’s not just out for cheap one-off laughs but is developing the characters and becoming even funnier as they do so. Ruth Jones and James Corden have created a gem and if you haven’t already watched it, give it a go.

Billy Goat – a surreal northern tale

Jeremy Dyson normally writes intriguing and brilliant stuff, so I tuned in to last night’s Fairy Tales with a little more enthusiasm than I had for the previous three episodes. The series hasn’t been bad, and in the odd moment has been touching and memorable – just not for an entire episode. The idea for the series is a modern re-working of fairytales. We’ve had Rapunzel, Cinderella, The Emperor’s New Clothes and last night was Billy Goat. In the modern version, a boyband (Billy Goat) are hoping to hit the big time, but first have to escape the clutches of their overbearing manager – who also happens to be a troll.