TV Favourites Filmed or Set in Wales Part 1

Leanne • November 26, 2020
With excitement building all over the internet after a BBC boss announced on Tuesday that Gavin and Stacey would be back on our TV screens “one day”, we thought why not celebrate some of the fantastic shows that have been set or filmed in this beautiful country over the years. There are hundreds of shows we could have included but we’ve picked a handful of our favourites which we’ll be bringing to you over the next few days. 

So, sit back and have a read, laugh and cry at the shows you’d forgotten about, but most of all, enjoy.

Gavin and Stacey

We just had to start here. Gavin and Stacey ran on the BBC from 2007 until 2010 with the actors reprising their roles for a Christmas special in 2019, which won the Christmas Day ratings war that year. Ending on a cliff hanger, we’ve all been left wondering, will they or won’t they? And it seems we will, one day, find out, as the BBC have confirmed it will return to our TV screens. That announcement also came after Gavin and Stacey (Matthew Horne and Joanna Page) were spotted in Cardiff following the firebreak lockdown. Coincidence? We’ll leave you to decide.


The welsh girl meets Essex boy love story has become an international hit and has propelled the careers of many of it’s cast members including Ruth Jones, James Corden and Rob Brydon. It’s also put the town of Barry firmly on the map, with fans making pilgrimages to the Welsh seaside town to see the home of this iconic show.



And of course, we’re excited by the prospect of it’s return because all we really want to know is, what really happened on that fishing trip?


Doctor Who

The reprisal of Doctor Who in 2005 was the brainchild of Swansea’s Russel T Davies. Since then, the series has been filmed all over Wales, mostly in the streets of Cardiff. Its production has helped secure Wales on the TV tourism map.



Doctor Who has gone from strength to strength, introducing a new generation to this sci-fi classic with parents and children alike following the show. Plus, it’s been plunged into the 21st century with the first female time lord taking over the TARDIS. 


Torchwood

The spin-off show to Doctor Who, Torchwood, was filmed in various locations across the Welsh capital, Cardiff. Although popular with fans, the show was always overshadowed by Doctor Who.



It boosted the careers of John Barrowman and Eve Myles and is still popular amongst Doctor Who fans today. The show spanned four series and 41 episodes between 2006 and 2011. 


Fireman Sam

A children’s classic Fireman Sam is set in the fictional welsh village of Pontypandy (a combination of the real towns, Pontypridd and Tonypandy). The show first appeared on TV screens in 1987 as an animated show but was revamped using CGI in 2008.



But that’s not all that changed. Pontypandy became a seaside fishing village and new characters have been introduced. There’s some controversy about Fireman Sam having a stereotype problem. Whatever your view, Fireman Sam had to be on the list of Welsh TV show favourites.


Stay Tuned...

That’s our first delve into the archives of television programmes set or filmed in Wales. Tune back in tomorrow for part 2.


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