I played Neil the Baby in Gavin and Stacey – I have big plans for the money when my parents let me spend it
NEIL the baby is an iconic character in the hit BBC sitcom series, Gavin and Stacey.
Named in full as Neil Noel Edmund Smith Jr, he is the son of Vanessa “Nessa” Jenkins (Ruth Jones) and Neil “Smithy” Smith (James Corden) born from an encounter after they slept together in a hotel.
Fans may know him as 14-year-old actor Oscar Hartland who is currently a contestant in The Voice Kids.
He was one of three babies to play the role in the original series run, but he was also selected to reprise the role in the Christmas special in 2019.
And although he may not have had any lines due to his age at the time, he was still paid accordingly for his work.
Now, the personality has opened up on his future plans as he told The Metro that he wants to purchase his own recording studio.
“If I could crack the safe open then I’d buy a recording studio,’ he explained.
However, his mother Kirsty was also present as she quickly interjected, “You may have to record a few more episodes to afford that.”
However the actor and musician has made it clear that he is definitely up for reprising his old Gavin and Stacey role in the future for more episodes.
Oscar confirmed: ” “I think it would be cool. If they wanted me to do it I would do it.”
“[People] are also always asking me if there’s going to be another Gavin and Stacey too, but I don’t know.”
And it turns out, he’s only proud of his past and subsequent reputation from Gavin And Stacey.
He explained: “They sometimes call me Neil the baby, I don’t mind it.”
If he was to reprise the role, Oscar already has a storyline in mind for his character as Neil goes through his teenage years.
“Neil should have a dark turn. He has always been very likeable, so that would be fun,” Oscar said.
He’s not the only one who’s come up with a concept as she thought that he could go into the music industry and Nessa would be a manager.
In the meantime, his band Redwood City is currently competitng on The Voice Kids.
Oscar started the band with his friends after discovering his love for rock music.
They caught the eye of casting producers and in the auditions, the likes of Pixie Lott, Danny Jones and Ronan Keating all turned thier chairs around.
Reflecting on his journey into the competition, he hinted that the band signed up right away.
He explained: “Why wouldn’t we do it?” I was amazed that they had seen it. It was an opportunity we couldn’t refuse.
“And why rock? ‘It’s for everyone, all ages. You can be more creative than with pop music.’
“I went to do a world tour. I want to go to America and head to Redwood City. It’s the name of our band, but we haven’t been.”
And although his mind is currently on his music, he still has acting intentions as he said: “I like both equally. I’d love to do a Star Wars movie.”
