After a ‘very fortunate career’, TV icon Larry Lamb is retiring from acting following Gavin and Stacey’s farewell.
The last ever Gavin and Stacey episode aired at Christmas, dubbed The Finale, and proved an emotional one as we said goodbye to the beloved characters.
However, it turns out fans will have to let go of more than just the Shipmans, as Larry, 77, admitted that it will be his last major TV role.
Focusing on his new novel, the EastEnders legend revealed he would consider small roles just to ‘keep my face in’ but he’s stepping firmly out of the spotlight.
Speaking of his time as Mick Shipman, father to central character Gavin and a fan favourite, Larry told the MailOnline: ‘You get so involved with these characters that they become your favourite at that time.
‘They are the focus of your life, but to finish up in my 70s playing a character like Mick who is beloved by millions of people, you have to give the writers credit… at this stage in my career Mick is the closest to my heart.’
During the sitcom’s run, Larry was praised for his natural, playful chemistry with on-screen wife Alison Steadman (Pam) as well as iconic moments — who could forget when Mick was ‘on the telly’.
Written by Ruth Jones and James Corden, the sitcom became a cultural icon and ran in total from 2007 to 2024, with extended breaks between specials.
Gavin and Stacey ran for 22 episodes, comprised of three series and three Christmas specials, with each member of the core cast appearing in every single one.
The show was set against the backdrop of a long-distance romance between Gavin (Mathew Horne), who lived in Essex and Barry Island’s Stacey (Joanna Page).
However, it quickly developed into far more than this as a complex relationship between Nessa (Ruth) and Smithy (James) became the central thread.
From mysterious fishing trips to unforgettable neighbours — both in the form of Pete (Adrian Philip Scarborough) and Dawn (Julia Davis), as well as the late Margaret John as Doris — the show was bursting with laughs.
A mind-boggling 12.3 million viewers tuned in on Christmas Day to watch the end of this 20-year journey, breaking its own 2019 viewership record.
To view this video please enable JavaScript, and consider upgrading to a web
browser that
supports HTML5
video
Alongside his role as Mick, Larry is well known for his turn in EastEnders as the devious Archie Mitchell and numerous other TV appearances over six decades.
‘I have had a very fortunate career; I’ve done so much that I am really proud of that maybe not so many people know,’ he continued.
‘If you have been through a life in entertainment and people don’t all know you to suddenly where pretty much everybody knows you as a character… I find it’s a reward, it’s better to be known than unknown as far as I’m concerned.
‘Particularly if you are known as a character that people really love… what a way to finish your working life.’
Got a story?
If you’ve got a celebrity story, video or pictures get in touch with the Metro.co.uk entertainment team by emailing us celebtips@metro.co.uk, calling 020 3615 2145 or by visiting our Submit Stuff page – we’d love to hear from you.