Their paths to showbiz acclaim have been intricately linked, from their on-screen depiction of the loudmouthed rapping brother-sister duo Smithy and Rudi in Gavin and Stacey to their subsequent two-year relationship off-screen.
Now actors Sheridan Smith and James Corden are to be reunited in a much more formal setting, with both among those honoured with OBEs in the New Year honours for services to entertainment.
The pair first acted together in the second series of BBC comedy Gavin and Stacey, which was co-written by Corden, in 2008 and have gone on to great success in theatre and film, comedy and chatshow hosting.
Since rising to prominence with Gavin and Stacey, Corden has since co-written the BBC comedy series The Wrong Mans and the OBE comes at a turning point in his career, with the 36-year-old in the midst of making his big break across the Atlantic.
In New York, Corden won a Tony award for his lead role in the comedy One Man, Two Guvnors after previously playing the part in London.
Building on this Broadway success, the comedian recently made his Hollywood debut in the film adaptation of the Stephen Sondheim musical Into the Woods, alongside Meryl Streep and Johnny Depp, which was released on Christmas Day.
Corden’s increasing popularity in America was also confirmed by the announcement in September that he would be the next host of the late night talkshow The Late Late Show, replacing long-time Scottish host Craig Ferguson.
Corden said: “I’m thrilled, overwhelmed and honoured to be recognised in such a way. I feel very lucky to be born in a country where creativity is both encouraged and valued.”
He added: “My family are very proud. My mum is already fretting about what to wear.”
Smith, 33, who made her teenage stage debut in her parents’ country and western family band, the Daltons, in the pubs of Doncaster, won a Bafta in 2013 for her portrayal of Charmian, the wife of the train robber Ronnie Biggs in the ITV drama series Mrs Biggs.
She has established herself as a well-respected theatre actor, with two prestigious Olivier awards to her name, first for her lead role in the musical Legally Blonde and then, in 2012, for her supporting role as Doris in the West End revival of Flare Path. Most recently, she received acclaim for her role as Cilla Black in the ITV biopic.
Smith said: “I’m sincerely thankful and humbled to be recognised with such an honour. I’m overwhelmed and hope to continue doing the work that I love for many years to come.”
