Larry Lamb on Juggling EastEnders and Gavin and Stacey Roles

At the Hay Festival in Powys, actor Larry Lamb, 78, recounted his experience simultaneously playing Archie Mitchell on EastEnders and Mick Shipman on Gavin and Stacey. He described the dual roles as "very weird" and "bizarre" due to the characters being "diametrically opposed." Lamb began filming Gavin and Stacey in 2006 before joining EastEnders in 2007, later commuting between London and Wales to work on both shows. He noted it was unusual to be permitted to work on both series simultaneously, partly because the late Barbara Windsor wanted him as her "new love interest." Lamb had already signed a contract to reprise his Gavin and Stacey role if the show succeeded, creating a dilemma when it gained popularity. Despite causing "all sorts of problems," he was eventually allowed to continue with both. He highlighted the surreal experience of filming Christmas specials in September, wearing winter gear in hot weather, and shifting between the tense atmosphere of EastEnders and the lighter vibe of Gavin and Stacey.