Gavin & Stacey star reveals meaning behind legendary joke - and fans will be gobsmacked

An actor who appeasred on Gavin and Stacey has finally spilled the beans on the show's enduring name gag.

Since its debut in 2007, the hit BBC comedy Gavin and Stacey has captured hearts across the UK, earning its place as one of the finest British sitcoms of this century.

Charting the romantic journey of Stacey (played by Joanna Page) and Gavin (portrayed by Matthew Horne), along with their quirky relatives and pals, the series has garnered a dedicated fanbase.

This festive season, fans are in for a treat as the cast reunites for a final episode set to air on Christmas Day, marking the third Christmas special. The much-anticipated return was announced by the show's creators and lead actors, James Corden, who stars as Smithy, and Ruth Jones, known as Nessa, sparking wild excitement online.

Gavin and Stacey is renowned for its memorable quips and punchlines, but one joke, in particular, has left viewers scratching their heads the mystery surrounding Owain Hughes, reports the Daily Star.

Portrayed by Steve Meo, Owain Hughes first appeared in the opening episode of the third series as Gavin's new colleague from Wales. Upon introduction, he quipped: "Owain Hughes, and before you ask... No I don't! " His laughter, shared by another colleague in the know, left Gavin utterly confused, and even Bryn West (Rob Brydon), Gavin's uncle-in-law, seems privy to the inside joke.

Upon reaching Gavin's office, Bryn was introduced to Owain by Gavin. The beloved uncle quipped: "Owain Hughes! And do you? " To which Owain responded: "No I don't," before he and his colleague burst into laughter once more. Later in the episode, Gavin sought clarification on the joke from his best friend Smithy (James Corden), who was equally perplexed.

Over the years, fans have been left scratching their heads over the 'true' meaning behind the name joke. Now, actor Steve Meo has shed some light on the matter.

However, according to Steve, it's not as profound as people might assume. He revealed to WalesOnline: "It is a red herring designed to infuriate and spark debate."

He further added: "Funnily enough when I first went in for the audition that's the first thing I asked Ruth (Jones, co-creator) 'there isn't a joke is there because I'm going mad.'".

The actor then shared an amusing anecdote about how eager Gavin and Stacey fans are to uncover the truth behind the joke, even going so far as to corner his mother in a Tesco supermarket.

Recounting a phone call he received from his mother while she was shopping, Steve said: "She said 'right, you've got to tell me. The manager's just said over the tannoy now that if anyone can tell him what the joke means they'll get a free bottle of wine.' I said 'sorry mam, I'm contractually obliged not to tell you.'" Steve concluded.

Gavin & Stacey will be broadcast on BBC One on Christmas Day