December 28th 2024.
Kaz Barrett, a resident of Barry, proudly proclaims that she knows Nessa inside and out. As a dedicated fan of the hit BBC sitcom Gavin and Stacey, Nessa is more than just a favorite character for Kaz – she is a way of life. The show gained a massive following during its initial run from 2007 to 2010, and its return in 2019 for a Christmas special and a grand finale in 2024 only solidified its status as a cultural phenomenon.
The series revolves around the lives of Gavin and Stacey, the central couple, and their family and friends. Among these friends are Nessa and Smithy, whose slow-burn romance was a major storyline throughout the show. Coincidentally, the actors who played Nessa and Smithy were also the co-creators of the series. However, for some people, this fictional world is not too far from their own reality.
Kaz Barrett lives on Barry's High Street, and in many ways, she is the real-life Nessa of South Wales. She frequently rides Dave's Coaches, hangs out at The Dolphin, and even has people shouting Nessa's famous catchphrase, "what's occurin'," at her from their car windows. "I'm pretty much the same as her," says Kaz, who works as a carer when she's not embodying her beloved character.
Kaz's resemblance to Nessa first caught her attention five years ago when Ruth Jones, the actress who plays Nessa, visited Barry to turn on the town's Christmas lights. At the time, Kaz was running a café on High Street, and she witnessed the logistical nightmare of 4,000 people showing up to see Ruth. In an effort to promote her café, Kaz had the idea to dress up as Nessa and run up and down the street. The response from the crowd was overwhelming, and Kaz soon found herself in demand as a Nessa impersonator.
Since then, Kaz has performed as Nessa at various events, from nightclubs to weddings and even a funeral for a fellow Nessa-lover. She has become so successful that she was able to quit her job and become a full-time knock-off Nessa. "I enjoy it so much it doesn't feel like a job," Kaz says. She even has her own tour company, "Nessflix," which offers tours on Dave's Coaches.
While Kaz is often recognized around Barry for her Nessa persona, it may surprise some fans to learn that the iconic catchphrase, "what's occurin'," is not commonly heard in the town. As Kaz explains, "No one in Barry says that. It's a total Nessa-ism." But that doesn't diminish the impact that Gavin and Stacey has had on the town. "Years ago we were well known for Butlins, when that went away all of the tourism went with it – but people come here for Gavin and Stacey now. They've put Barry on the map," says Kaz.
As for the show's finale, Kaz, like many fans, was on the edge of her seat after Nessa's proposal to Smithy in the previous episode. The 2024 special finally gave viewers the answer they were waiting for, as Smithy realized his mistake in marrying Sonia and jilted her at the altar to chase after Nessa. And as for the mysterious fishing trip with Bryn and Jason? In typical Nessa fashion, Kaz teases, "It was cold that day, it defied the laws of gravity, but it was legal in Wales so we'll leave it there."
In conclusion, Kaz Barrett, the real-life Nessa, is just one example of how Gavin and Stacey has become a part of everyday life for many people in Barry. Its impact on the town and its residents is undeniable, and it will continue to be a beloved show for years to come. As Nessa herself would say, "If you don't love Gavin and Stacey, you're a fool!"
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