Laura’s character Sonia was dumped at the altar by Smithy (Image: BBC)
Laura Aikman, famed for her role as Sonia in , inadvertently let slip about her return to the beloved series months before the much-anticipated Christmas special was broadcast.
The comedy drama’s fans were left stunned when it was unveiled that, Ruth Jones’ character, following a suspenseful cliffhanger from five years earlier.
The secrecy around Laura’s character making a comeback was so intense that even her own parents were kept in the dark until they witnessed her appearance on screen on Christmas Day, alongside the staggering 12.5 million other viewers.
The , to the extent of being excluded from the cast party post-filming to avoid any leaks about her being a pivotal figure in the series finale. However, it appears Laura may have dropped a clue about her explosive return during an interview with Country and Townhouse three months prior, while discussing her role in the ITV show, Joan.
Laura gave away a sneaky spoiler months before the show (Image: BBC)
Despite being under a non-disclosure agreement preventing her from revealing details about reprising Sonia, Laura hinted at having wrapped up a project she “absolutely loved”. When asked about her current life situation, Laura responded: “Life is pretty wonderful right now. I’m coming to the end of a job I have absolutely loved with a dream cast and crew, and I’m really trying to take it all in and appreciate every minute.”
In an unexpected family surprise, Laura thrilled her relatives with a stealthy Christmas plot twist. She shared footage on Boxing Day of the moment her parents clocked their daughter on their screen in Gavin and Stacey, saying: “The moment my family realise Sonia is ruining Christmas again…”
As the scene unfolded, Laura’s mother could be seen visibly shocked, pointing at the TV before exclaiming, “Oh my God! What? ! You never told us! “
Laura had to stay away from the cast in a separate hotel (Image: BBC)
Laura confessed to the tight-lipped strategy, “We never told anyone! ” She further elaborated on her unwavering commitment to keeping secrets in her post, saying: “I take an NDA very seriously #gavinandstaceythefinale #gavinandstacey.”, reports the Mirror.
Adding to the inside scoop, Gavin And Stacey director Christine Gernon detailed the lengths taken to keep Sonia’s return under wraps, posting a photo of Laura with Alison Steadman, revered for her role as Gavin’s mum Pam.
Christine remarked in her commentary: “@lauraikman spent the whole gands shoot being hidden away. Staying in a different hotel, not allowed to come to wrap or screening parties so no one knew Sonia was back. Such a great reveal. And she’s amazing as both actor and person.”