WILLS & KATE TRY THEIR LUCK AT GAVIN AND STACEY ARCADE
THE Duke and Duchess of Cambridge took a surprise trip to Barry Island yesterday, calling in on the amusement arcade made famous by TV’s Gavin & Stacey.
Their visit to the home of Nessa’s Slots – part of an effort to get the UK tourism industry back on its feet – was not publicised in advance to prevent crowds gathering during the pandemic.
But “what was occurring” soon got out, and the royal couple were watched by hundreds of holidaymakers as they hurled balls in a coconut shy and tried unsuccessfully to win a toy in a grab machine.
Gavin & Stacey is one of the nation’s favourite comedies but William admitted he had never seen an episode. He made the confession while speaking to the owner of Marco’s Cafe, which also features in the series.
The 38-year-old said: “It’s one of the few box sets I haven’t already watched. I’ve never actually watched it. But I know how much it has done for the economy here and it’s a wonderful series.”
He and Kate fooled around at Island Leisure Amusements, where Nessa, played by Ruth Jones, works in the show.
Owners Hilary and Andrew Phillips reopened for the first time since lockdown yesterday and their grandchildren showed the royal couple how to play several of the games – at £1 a time.
They competed side by side on the grab machine and delighted Kate, 38, gave the thumbs up when she snatched a blue fish, but looked crestfallen when the cuddly toy fell from her grasp. William appeared to win a toy at one stage but then said: “I’ve dropped it.”
The couple were at least given some stuffed toys to take home to their three children.
Crowds waved as they walked along the promenade to Marco’s Cafe. Owner Marco Zeraschi, 62, said the co-writers of Gavin & Stacey, James Corden and Ruth Jones, were his prince and princess of Barry Island “but I’ve changed my mind now”, adding: “They were very charming.”
Marco also revealed Corden had messaged him during lockdown to ask if everything was all right. He said: “He is a very generous man. I said we are struggling but surviving. He has already done so much for Barry Island”.
Nia Hollins of the Vale of Glamorgan Council’s tourism team told the couple: “It’s been challenging but businesses have been brilliant and not giving up.
“We are making sure measures are in place for Barry Island but it is a partnership.”