Gavin and Stacey’s Neil the Baby actor reveals his back up plan after failing his GCSEs

Oscar Hartland, 16, who portrayed Neil Smithy and Nessa and Smithy’s son in the wildly popular television series Gavin and Stacey, received just two grades this week.

Gavin and Stacey’s Neil the Baby star failed his GCSEs – but he’s not too fussed(Image: BBC)

Oscar Hartland, the 16 year old actor who played Baby Neil in Gavin and Stacey alongside James Corden and Ruth Jones, has failed his GCSEs – but he has a back-up plan!

The young actor, who played Neil in the hit series Nessa and Smithy, only managed to pass two subjects this week.

Despite this, Oscar continues to be enthralled and has chosen to leave school to pursue a career in show business, combining his acting and singing passions.

Oscar, who was 14 when he appeared on The Voice Kids and advanced to the semi-finals, collected his GCSE results this week, but only received two passes. His two preferred subjects, English and music, were almost passed on an A.

READ MORE: NTAs 2025 nominations as Strictly lands three nods despite numerous scandalsREAD MORE: Gavin and Stacey crew member whose death shook star was ‘prolific’ DJ as tributes paid

Neil as an adult
The Gavin and Stacey star doesn’t think his exam disappointment will impact his career plans (Image: BBC)

Oscar said, “I got a whopping two!” But I’m happy with that because I wanted to get a top-notch music education. I’ll be the first to admit that I didn’t try that hard because I’m not an academic.

He continued, telling the Mail Online, “The hard way,” that he was prepared to transition into music as a musician. “Is an executive at one of the top recording labels going to inquire about my GCSE results?” Not in my opinion.

Oscar entered the world of showbiz fresh out the womb, when he appeared in four episodes of Gavin and Stacey as Neil the Baby, the product of a one-night stand between Smithy and Nessa.

He returned to the nation’s favourite sitcom as a 10-year-old Neil the Baby in the 2019 Christmas special and again in 2024 as a teen. The gifted schoolboy had a starring role in the final episode last Christmas when he sang the Beatles’ song Blackbird while playing the guitar, watched by a staggering 19.1m viewers.

Oscar, however, doesn’t blame his distracting television shows for his poor GCSE results at St Martin’s Comprehensive in Caerphilly, South Wales.

Baby oscar with james codren and matt horne
Oscar made his screen debut as a baby(Image: BBC)

He claims that the issue stems from his having “hated school” and having his head “was always in other places” while attending college. The aspiring musician believes that those who aren’t naturally academic are subject to a flawed system.

According to earlier this year’s statistics, Gavin and Stacey’s final episode is the most watched TV program in the UK on Christmas Day in 23 years.

Official ratings for the sitcom’s 90-minute farewell, which was the centrepiece of BBC One’s 2024 festive schedules, are 19.1 million. This is the biggest audience for a Christmas Day broadcast on UK television since the episode of Only Fools & Horses on December 25 2001, which attracted 21.3 million viewers.

The ratings agency Barb has released the figures, which include everyone who watched and recorded the program up until seven days later, which is the industry standard for determining TV audience size.

Additionally, those who watched on smartphones, PCs, and tablets are included. Vengeance Most Fowl, a brand-new Wallace &amp, Gromit adventure, did well to win 16.3 million viewers on Christmas Day 2024.

The figures place Gavin & Stacey and Wallace & Gromit in third place, surpassing Line of Duty, which attracted 15.8 million viewers for its 2021 finale, with the top two most-watched scripted programs of the decade.

The biggest TV audience of the 2020s remains the broadcast by former prime minister Boris Johnson on March 23 2020 announcing the first Covid-19 lockdown, which was shown simultaneously on six TV channels and drew an average audience of 28.3 million.

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Simba drops August bank holiday sale with bundle offers on pillows, mattresses and beds

Customers can select from a variety of bundle deals as well as limited-time sales of well-known pillows.

Simba has rolled out a special August bank holiday sale (Image: Simba )

Simba, a renowned sleep brand, has set up a limited flash sale on its website just in time for the bank holiday weekend in August. With the sale going live on August 25 and ending on Monday, August 25, shoppers can save money on pillows, beds, and mattresses.

Consumers can save up to £300 on specific bundles, which vary depending on the offer. For instance, this Simba Hybrid Mattress Bundle includes a duvet, two pillows, and a mattress. The price of the single mattress bundle, which retails for £717.60, would be £897 if purchased separately, for example.

The bundle costs £1, 180.80 for EU queen, and £1, 476 for each additional item if purchased separately. There are total options for eight different mattress sizes, including king, super king, EU queen, and small double, double, and double.

Simba also offers a Bed Bundle (bed and mattress) with options for the bedframe, mattress, and king (from £1,055.40 to £1,555.90). The bundle includes a Wilmslow bedframe that is available in 34 colors, including neutrals and bright colors, as well as the same Hybrid mattress as the above deal.

With a wide selection of velvets, cheniles, and linen textiles available, customers can also choose from a variety of materials. They can add storage options like drawers and an ottoman for an additional fee. Customers will save £263 when purchasing the single bundle, while £392 when purchasing the superking bundle.

Simba Bed and Mattress Bundle

Simba bed bundle

Starting at £717.60 per mattress for a single mattress.

Purchase Now on Simba

Elsewhere, Dunelm has cut 20% off a Silentnight Memory Foam mattress, now £223.20 – £359.20, originally £279 – £449. It’s made with a memory top layer and 800 spring pockets underneath. It’s available in single, double, king, and superking sizes.

Simba also offers deals on pillows for bank holidays (sold separately, not as a bundle), including £16 off the Hybrid Pillow, which is now costing 92.65, or £109. The pillow’s height and firmness levels can be adjusted, and cubes can be added or removed based on a person’s preference, thanks to its “NaNOCUBE” design.

One of Simba’s most well-liked items is the Hybrid Pillow, which has more than 34, 000 customer reviews. One customer declared, “I sincerely believe I’ve found THE pillow. Excellent ability to change the filling and not too hard but not too soft are both. My husband and I purchased this pillow, but he hasn’t returned it. He can purchase his own. A wise decision to spend.

One user said she found the pillow to be too soft for her, while another reported being unhappy with the pillow’s firmness. Another buyer referred to it as “perfect,” claiming that they “took a few cubes out while I slept on my front.” have used them for no reason, despite having no neck pain.

Simba Hybrid Pillow was £109, now £92.65
The Simba Hybrid Pillow was £109, it’s now £92.65(Image: Simba )

Similarly, Emma also has a reduction on its Premium Cloud Pillow, now £60, usually £80. The fluffy microfibre filling is breathable, making it ideal for people who overheat at night. It has a medium-to-soft firmness.

Simba’s overall reviews of its service and quality can be found on Trustpilot, which has more than 56, 000 customer reviews. According to one five-star review, “I’m happy with my purchase, and it’s an excellent mattress, as I expected.”

Continue reading the article.

Quick delivery, according to another customer. My new pillow is soft, comfortable, and my neck is no longer stiff. Another customer, however, complained that one of their orders had problems, saying: “Unfortunately, finding the mattress dips in the middle.” The mattress protector is excellent as are the pillows. Good delivery.

Alice Evans shares sad family news as Ioan Gruffudd tries to extend restraining order

Alice Evans, the ex-wife of Ian Gruffudd, has learned that her brother is passing away as the former couple’s increasingly contented split is raging on.

Alice Evans shares heartbreaking update on brother’s health amid Ioan Gruffudd divorce saga(Image: INSTAGRAM)

Actress Alice Evans has shared the sad news that her brother is dying as the situation with her ex-husband Ioan Gruffudd grows even messier five years on from their split.

After his divorce from Alice was finalized in 2022, Welsh actor Ioan is trying to obtain a permanent restraining order against his ex, which was issued in 2022.

The Fantastic Four actor, 51, shares daughters Ella, 15, and Elsie, 11, with Alice. He tied the knot with Australian actress Bianca earlier this year, announcing her pregnancy shortly afterwards.

READ MORE: Katie Price pays Victoria Beckham shock compliment after bitter years-long feudREAD MORE: Strictly Come Dancing fix row as new contestant Lewis Cope’s dance past revealed

alice and ioan
The divorce between Alice and Ioan is getting more chaotic.

Alice has now revealed that Tony’s health is declining amid her turmoil. Please everyone, she asked on social media. Tonight, pray for my dear brother Tony. It doesn’t appear well.

Alice has frequently described her sibling as one of her favorite people and has previously spoken about his health issues and the trauma his life has caused.

Ioan and Alice first met on a 1999 movie set, and they got married in 2007. Their bitter split ended in 2021.

Ioan and Bianca revealed their pregnancy news on social media earlier this year, sharing a beautiful black and white photograph of Ioan gently kissing Bianca’s blossoming bump on Instagram.

The title reads, “Baby Gruffudd poppin’ out to say hello.” Friends’ congratulatory messages to the pair quickly appeared at the pair’s announcement.

The couple’s wedding was also made public on social media by posting a grainy clip of their vow-taking session with the caption “Mr and Mrs Gruffudd.” Marriage is imminent, but wedding is a few months away.

In 1999, Alice and Ioan first met while filming 102 Dalmatians, when they were romantically linked to Oliver Picasso’s grandson. Six months after their engagement, Alice and Ioan finally tied the knot in Mexico in 2007.

After Alice was diagnosed with low antral follicle count at the age of 38, the couple gave birth to two daughters through IVF. Ella and her mother, Ella, welcomed her, and Alice said, “It was as close to being in heaven as I’d ever get.”

(Corbis via Getty Images)

Following their involvement in a television series, Ioan and Bianca broke up in 2021. However, it took two more years before Ioan’s divorce proceedings with Alice were finished.

He repeatedly attempted to restraining order Alice after a contentious legal dispute that he encountered throughout. The performer and his ex-partner Bianca claimed they had been subjected to a vile “smear campaign” that included Alice’s use of offensive text messages, emails, and social media posts.

Continue reading the article.

Ioan also objected to Alice’s request for more spousal support, claiming that he had already spent more than $400,000 ($297,000) on additional spousal support. He referred to Alice’s poverty claims in court documents as “exaggerated,” and called it a “false narrative” that she and the children were left without.

Alice Evans shares sad family news as Ioan Gruffudd tries to extend restraining order

Alice Evans, the ex-wife of Ian Gruffudd, has learned that her brother is passing away as the former couple’s increasingly contented split is raging on.

Alice Evans shares heartbreaking update on brother’s health amid Ioan Gruffudd divorce saga(Image: INSTAGRAM)

Actress Alice Evans has shared the sad news that her brother is dying as the situation with her ex-husband Ioan Gruffudd grows even messier five years on from their split.

After his divorce from Alice was finalized in 2022, Welsh actor Ioan is trying to obtain a permanent restraining order against his ex, which was issued in 2022.

The Fantastic Four actor, 51, shares daughters Ella, 15, and Elsie, 11, with Alice. He tied the knot with Australian actress Bianca earlier this year, announcing her pregnancy shortly afterwards.

READ MORE: Katie Price pays Victoria Beckham shock compliment after bitter years-long feudREAD MORE: Strictly Come Dancing fix row as new contestant Lewis Cope’s dance past revealed

alice and ioan
The divorce between Alice and Ioan is getting more chaotic.

Alice has now revealed that Tony’s health is declining amid her turmoil. Please everyone, she asked on social media. Tonight, pray for my dear brother Tony. It doesn’t appear well.

Alice has frequently described her sibling as one of her favorite people and has previously spoken about his health issues and the trauma his life has caused.

Ioan and Alice first met on a 1999 movie set, and they got married in 2007. Their bitter split ended in 2021.

Ioan and Bianca revealed their pregnancy news on social media earlier this year, sharing a beautiful black and white photograph of Ioan gently kissing Bianca’s blossoming bump on Instagram.

The title reads, “Baby Gruffudd poppin’ out to say hello.” Friends’ congratulatory messages to the pair quickly appeared at the pair’s announcement.

The couple’s wedding was also made public on social media by posting a grainy clip of their vow-taking session with the caption “Mr and Mrs Gruffudd.” Marriage is imminent, but wedding is a few months away.

In 1999, Alice and Ioan first met while filming 102 Dalmatians, when they were romantically linked to Oliver Picasso’s grandson. Six months after their engagement, Alice and Ioan finally tied the knot in Mexico in 2007.

After Alice was diagnosed with low antral follicle count at the age of 38, the couple gave birth to two daughters through IVF. Ella and her mother, Ella, welcomed her, and Alice said, “It was as close to being in heaven as I’d ever get.”

(Corbis via Getty Images)

Following their involvement in a television series, Ioan and Bianca broke up in 2021. However, it took two more years before Ioan’s divorce proceedings with Alice were finished.

He repeatedly attempted to restraining order Alice after a contentious legal dispute that he encountered throughout. The performer and his ex-partner Bianca claimed they had been subjected to a vile “smear campaign” that included Alice’s use of offensive text messages, emails, and social media posts.

Continue reading the article.

Ioan also objected to Alice’s request for more spousal support, claiming that he had already spent more than $400,000 ($297,000) on additional spousal support. He referred to Alice’s poverty claims in court documents as “exaggerated,” and called it a “false narrative” that she and the children were left without.

Apple fans rush to buy MacBook Pro for £300 less in rare deal that beats Amazon

Shoppers who want to purchase an Apple MacBook Pro without spending a whopping £500 shouldn’t snooze on this exclusive offer, which has seen the model drop from its current price to a fraction of that mark.

Apple fans rush to buy MacBook Pro for £300 less in rare deal that beats Amazon(Image: Getty)

The new MacBook models boast impressive performance on the move, while Apple’s most recent laptops pack some serious punch. Not everyone, however, can handle this much processing power with a more recent, more conventional model.

This deal is designed specifically for you if you need to use your laptop to check emails, create a few Word documents, and stay updated on social media. A 13-inch MacBook Pro model that is still capable of most online activities costs £199 instead of £499.

READ MORE: How to use this less well-known deal to purchase a new Dyson Airwrap worth £480 for £10.

READ MORE: Stacey Solomon’s fashionable Amazon appliance “creates extra space in the kitchen.”

Apple MacBook Pro 13-inch
This Apple MacBook Pro 13-inch is now £199 down from £499(Image: Apple)

This model, which is currently on offer at Wowcher, has been professionally cleaned and serviced before being resold. Although there may be some minor cosmetic imperfections, the product will still perform as expected. Additionally, purchasing brand-new is a more environmentally conscious choice.

This specific model hails from 2010, equipped with an Intel Core i5 processor, 8GB of RAM, and a 320GB hard drive. Don’t expect to edit videos on this device, but it’s more than capable of handling basic tasks like word processing and streaming Netflix with ease.

Its compact 13-inch display is extremely portable. This laptop is ideal for younger students who need some homework while traveling because it should fit into most backpacks without any issues.

At the time of its release, LaptopMag gave the product a solid four-star rating. They praised the device’s “excellent keyboard and touchpad,” which lasts for more than eight hours, and its “superb battery life.”

This particular model is currently available on Amazon for £369, though stocks are running low. Plenty of 5-star reviews on Amazon praise the MacBook Pro, with one satisfied shopper saying: “I was very impressed with how fast the item arrived at my door. I turned it on, and it was super quick. There were no issues whatsoever with this item; like all Apple products, it just works.”

And yet another beam, “I’m so glad I bought this. Even though this Macbook is refurbished, it still functions as if it were brand-new, which is why I’ve been hesitant to purchase one.

This Apple MacBook Pro High Performance Laptop Intel Core i7, 13-inch is also available at a reduced price of £339, down from £599.99.

Continue reading the article.

Apple fans rush to buy MacBook Pro for £300 less in rare deal that beats Amazon

Shoppers who want to purchase an Apple MacBook Pro without spending a whopping £500 shouldn’t snooze on this exclusive offer, which has seen the model drop from its current price to a fraction of that mark.

Apple fans rush to buy MacBook Pro for £300 less in rare deal that beats Amazon(Image: Getty)

The new MacBook models boast impressive performance on the move, while Apple’s most recent laptops pack some serious punch. Not everyone, however, can handle this much processing power with a more recent, more conventional model.

This deal is designed specifically for you if you need to use your laptop to check emails, create a few Word documents, and stay updated on social media. A 13-inch MacBook Pro model that is still capable of most online activities costs £199 instead of £499.

READ MORE: How to use this less well-known deal to purchase a new Dyson Airwrap worth £480 for £10.

READ MORE: Stacey Solomon’s fashionable Amazon appliance “creates extra space in the kitchen.”

Apple MacBook Pro 13-inch
This Apple MacBook Pro 13-inch is now £199 down from £499(Image: Apple)

This model, which is currently on offer at Wowcher, has been professionally cleaned and serviced before being resold. Although there may be some minor cosmetic imperfections, the product will still perform as expected. Additionally, purchasing brand-new is a more environmentally conscious choice.

This specific model hails from 2010, equipped with an Intel Core i5 processor, 8GB of RAM, and a 320GB hard drive. Don’t expect to edit videos on this device, but it’s more than capable of handling basic tasks like word processing and streaming Netflix with ease.

Its compact 13-inch display is extremely portable. This laptop is ideal for younger students who need some homework while traveling because it should fit into most backpacks without any issues.

At the time of its release, LaptopMag gave the product a solid four-star rating. They praised the device’s “excellent keyboard and touchpad,” which lasts for more than eight hours, and its “superb battery life.”

This particular model is currently available on Amazon for £369, though stocks are running low. Plenty of 5-star reviews on Amazon praise the MacBook Pro, with one satisfied shopper saying: “I was very impressed with how fast the item arrived at my door. I turned it on, and it was super quick. There were no issues whatsoever with this item; like all Apple products, it just works.”

And yet another beam, “I’m so glad I bought this. Even though this Macbook is refurbished, it still functions as if it were brand-new, which is why I’ve been hesitant to purchase one.

This Apple MacBook Pro High Performance Laptop Intel Core i7, 13-inch is also available at a reduced price of £339, down from £599.99.

Continue reading the article.