Entertainment

Gogglebocs Cymru star Molara is local celebrity in home village of Crymych

Published

2 years ago

February 26, 2024

Tom Sinclair

A HIT reality TV programme has turned a Pembrokeshire mum-of-two into a local celebrity

Molara Awen, 58, from Crymych, is one of the stars of the Welsh language version of Gogglebocs.

She appears on Gogglebocs Cymru with her daughter, Maisie, 21, and son Finn, 23.

The series – where ordinary people voice their opinions about a range of television programmes – is broadcast on S4C on Wednesdays at 9pm.

When she goes to her local shop or the garage for fuel near her home friends and neighbours often want to chat with her about the show

“They’ll say things like ‘Oh we saw you on the television last night’ or ‘I didn’t know you were on it’ and then they will ask me what programmes we’ve been watching and what I think about the programmes and what will be featured in the next show.

“Most of them are really interested in Gogglebocs Cymru and are fascinated about how the programme is made. They seem to think we film it ourselves and don’t realise there’s a film crew in the room as well,” she laughed.

“Because the children live outside Wales they don’t get the same attention as I do at home in Pembrokeshire but their friends have commented about it to them on social media or when they’ve met.

“It never occurred to me that we would attract any attention but it has been is pretty manageable,” she said.

A noted singer, choirmaster and diversity activist, Molara found a new love of Welsh culture through taking part in the popular programme.

Now some of the people she meets ask her for suggestions of what programmes to watch on S4C and other channels.

“I’m quite specific about what I watch and always record programmes to watch when I want and not when they’re on. I don’t enjoy quiz programmes at all and I’m certainly not a Pobol y Cwm type person but I enjoy quality drama series like Y Gwyll.

“I enjoyed Pren ar y Bryn, that was really good, a quirky, off the wall series and Gwesty Aduniad was good too,” she said.

Originally from Glossop in Derbyshire, Molara started learning the Welsh language after moving to Pembrokeshire more than 25 years ago.

“I’m a Welsh learner and am quite fluent although I still go to classes so it’s good for me to be watching TV in Welsh.

“It was quite funny when the tutor asked what we were going to be doing before the next class and I said I’d be going on national television to speak about what I’ve been watching on S4C.

Molara takes part in Gogglebocs Cymru in Bristol where her children now live and work. Maisie is studying to become a mechanical engineer at the Royal United Hospital in Bath and Finn works in a bar.

Gogglebocs Cymru is made by two Gwynedd-based television production companies, Cwmni Da, in Caernarfon, and Chwarel, from Cricieth.

It’s the first time Studio Lambert and Channel 4 have licensed the Gogglebox franchise to another UK-based broadcaster.

The programme is filmed in the homes of the as the cast as they view the week’s chosen programmes.

They cover a broad spectrum of programmes from S4C, other channels and streaming services ranging from gripping drama to popular quiz shows.

The footage is then edited ready for broadcast on the Wednesday evening and narrated by comedian and broadcaster Tudur Owen.

Series Producer Huw Maredudd, of Cwmni Da, said: “This is a continuation of the series which started before Christmas with the same group of people as before taking part.

“There were some wonderful moments during those programmes and some great comments were made about the various television programmes and there was a warm response to them on social media.

“The viewing figures were also excellent and the programmes we feature enjoy a boost to their viewing figures as well..

“Of course, we don’t expect all the featured programmes to be enjoyed by everyone but we hope that the fact they are all having fun watching the programmes gathered around the TV set together comes through.”

Huw added because the series is continuing there will be no new elements to the programmes but he expects to provide the cast and viewers with a few surprises.

“Something we’re doing for the first time is watching a live programme. The annual Can i Gymru programme is broadcast live on S4C on St David’s Day, March 1 and we’ll be watching along with the regulars and we’ll have their reactions to that on the following Wednesday,” he said.

Gogglebocs Cymru is broadcast on S4C on Wednesdays at 9pm. English subtitles will be available and the programme can also be viewed on S4C Clic, BBC iPlayer and other streaming platforms.

Pictured: Molara Awen with her daughter, Maisie, 21, and son Finn, 23 (Image: S4C)

Entertainment

Gavin & Stacey stars reunite for Christmas advert

Published

19 hours ago

December 4, 2025

Luke Sinclair

GAVIN & STACEY favourites Joanna Page and Mathew Horne have reunited on screen for a Christmas special – though not the one fans might have hoped for. Instead of returning to Barry or Billericay, the duo appear together in a new festive advert for Waitrose, sharing a turkey pie while responding to a fan’s heartfelt letter about expressing love through food.

The short film marks their appearance in How to Say It With Food, a six-part series in which Page and Horne tackle some of the nation’s most common Christmas food dilemmas. The clip opens with Page teasingly nodding to their iconic sitcom: “Oh, you didn’t think we’d let Christmas roll around without showing up again, did you?”

Horne quickly follows with his own playful line: “Us? Miss Christmas? Not a chance. But this time we’re here to help you say it with food.”

The pair are then handed an envelope “from Santa”, containing a letter from a viewer asking how he can show his “leading lady” he loves her through food. Mathew quips: “First time saying it, you want a statement. Sixteenth time, you want a statement that doesn’t involve socks.”

He then introduces Waitrose’s new Christmas advert starring Keira Knightley and Joe Wilkinson. The main campaign follows an unlikely festive romance sparked by Sussex Charmer cheese and culminating in Wilkinson presenting Knightley with a turkey pie decorated with the words “I love you”. Watching the moment unfold, Page smiles at Horne and mirrors another classic Gavin & Stacey reference: “Oh, that’s so romantic.”

The duo are soon given their own turkey pie to try. Horne eagerly tucks in before cutting Page a slice, prompting laughter from his co-star. The advert ends with the pair wishing viewers a Merry Christmas as Knightley and Wilkinson share a warm festive kiss on screen.

The reunion comes almost a year after audiences tuned in to the BBC sitcom’s much-anticipated finale, which drew an impressive 12.3 million viewers on Christmas Day. The episode wrapped up storylines including Gwen’s blossoming romance with Dave Coaches, Smithy’s near-wedding to Sonia, and the moment fans had long debated – Smithy and Nessa tying the knot.

Reflecting on the new project, Page said: “You thought you’d seen the last of us! Well, we’re back and what fun we had.” She added: “It was such a treat working with Mat… food is what brings people together over the festive season.”

Horne described the experience as “brilliant”, calling their on-screen reunion “a Christmas tradition”.

Entertainment

Filming for new season of S4C crime drama Cleddau returns to Pembrokeshire

Published

2 days ago

December 3, 2025

Tom Sinclair

Production crew spotted in Pembroke Dock, Neyland and Burton as series set for 2026 release

FILMING has returned to Pembrokeshire this week for the next season of Cleddau — the hit S4C crime drama released in English as The One That Got Away.

The production crew has been seen in Pembroke Dock, Neyland and Burton capturing new scenes for the upcoming 2026 series. Local photographer Gareth Davies shared images of the team working along the estuary, describing “a real buzz” in the area as cast and crew returned after the success of the first season.

Crime thriller rooted in the Cleddau estuary

Cleddau follows a murder investigation that reopens buried secrets in a quiet west Wales community. The show has been praised for its atmospheric storytelling, strong performances and striking use of local Pembrokeshire scenery — with the Cleddau estuary itself forming a central part of the series’ identity.

Residents have reported seeing cameras and production vehicles around familiar walking routes, waterfront areas and estuary-side villages as the crew makes full use of the landscape that inspired the show’s name.

Local interest and economic boost

The return of filming has been welcomed locally, bringing attention, visitors and activity into communities along the waterway. For many residents, the excitement lies in spotting familiar places on screen when the new season airs next year.

The new series of Cleddau is expected to be broadcast in 2026.

Entertainment

Cardigan Theatre brings Beauty and the Beast to Mwldan this Christmas

Published

4 days ago

December 1, 2025

Tom Sinclair

Festive panto promises magic, music and family fun

CARDIGAN Theatre is set to bring festive magic to Theatre Mwldan this Christmas with a fun-filled production of Beauty and the Beast, running from 21–29 December. The pantomime is written and directed by Jonathon Preece and promises all the traditional panto sparkle audiences love.

The story follows once-proud Prince Louis (Emily Davies), who angers Agatha the Evil Enchantress (Kelly Lewis). As punishment for his selfishness, she transforms him into the fearsome Beast (Steve Green). His only hope of breaking the spell is to find true love – or remain a beast forever.

Meanwhile, brave and kind-hearted Belle (Ruby Lemoine) sets out to rescue her eccentric father Marcel (Tom Loveday) who on his way to the “Big Invention Competition”, gets lost and stumbles into the enchanted castle and is taken prisoner by the Beast. Determined to save him, Belle is joined by her loyal friend Jaques, the village silly billy (Sarah Harris), flamboyant Dame Madam Fromage (Rhys Davies), and Gavin (Paul Robinson), the vain village heart-throb who is convinced Belle should marry him!

Inside the castle, Belle encounters a host of enchanted objects, including Tick Tock (Lilwen), Flambe (Bryce), and Mrs Kettle (Manon), who provide humour, magic and plenty of encouragement as they try to help the Beast win Belle’s heart and break Agatha’s curse.

With songs, jokes, colourful characters and plenty of audience participation, the production promises festive fun for all ages.

Beauty and the Beast runs at Theatre Mwldan from 21–29 December. Early booking is advised to avoid disappointment.

Cardigan Theatre can be followed on Facebook and Instagram for updates on future shows.