Gavin & Stacey was lacking one vital character during the 2019 Christmas special: Gwen's next-door neighbour, Doris, who was played by Margaret John.
The beloved Welsh actress, who also appeared in High Hopes, Game of Thrones and The District Nurse, died in 2011 at the age of 84.
There was a post-credit tribute to the actress showing John behind a drum kit, from the episode where she accompanies Bryn, who sang Something Inside So Strong at Neil the Baby's Christening.
And co-creator Ruth Jones was keen to point out ahead of the episode airing that it would tip the cap to Gwen's neighbour, who was famed for her randy ways and hilarious one-liners.
Ruth says: "One of my favourite episodes is when they all go to Barry Island for the bank holiday and Maggie was there. She was such a special woman and talented actress we wanted to make sure we paid homage. So we raised a glass to her but we wanted to undercut it with, well, Doris as a character was very rude, very upfront."
In the festive episode the characters are raising a glass to Doris when Nessa (Jones) refuses to join in, citing the fact that Gavin & Stacey were left the pensioner's house rather than her.
"The biggest sadness was not having Doris there, she was so much part of Gwen’s household. She was like and auntie to Stacey," added Ruth, who remembered her old friend, saying: "I hope you’re up there laughing."
Melanie Walters also spoke about the late Swansea-born actress ahead of the episode going out on BBC on Christmas Day, sharing a touching gesture by one of the crew.
She said: "(During the first read through) they gave me a picture of Margaret and myself with these huge bright orange coats, so Margaret was with us for that read through."
