Neil the baby may be remembered as the sweet-natured infant son of Nessa and Smithy in Gavin and Stacey, but the actor who plays him has other thoughts about what his life might be like now.
Oscar Hartland, 14, was one of three babies who portrayed Neil in the BBC sitcom’s first three seasons. He was then chosen to return for the much-anticipated Christmas reunion in 2019.
The episode concluded with the ultimate cliffhanger when Nessa (Ruth Jones) proposed to Smithy (James Corden), and we’ve been wondering if there would be a follow-up pretty much since the closing credits.
Oscar is one individual who would be delighted to participate.
‘I believe it’d be fun. ‘If they wanted me to, I’d do it,’ Oscar replies.
If authors Ruth, 56, and James, 44, are reading, get your notepads ready because the actor is already bursting with ideas about what Neil might be doing today as a teenager.
‘Neil should have a dark turn. He has always been very likeable, so that would be fun.’
‘She believes Neil should pursue music, and Nessa should be his manager,’ Oscar’s mother Kirsty said.
‘We could do a duet together.’
This would be perfect for Oscar, who is a rock star in real life.
The child is presently a contestant on The Voice Kids. His initial audition impressed the judges, prompting Pixie Lott, Danny Jones, and Ronan Keating to spin their chairs around, indicating that they wanted Oscar on their team for the show’s further rounds.
Oscar’s transition from acting to singing began about two years ago, when he found his love of rock music and formed the band Redwood City with three pals.
They began playing in their hometown of Caerphilly, South Wales, and posted recordings on social media.
Their music got the attention of the casting staff for The Voice Kids, and they were invited to audition for the programme.
‘I thought, “Why wouldn’t we do it?” I was amazed that they had seen it. It was an opportunity we couldn’t refuse.’
He describes the ITV stage as ‘a big jump’ from the local festivals they were used to.
‘I thought I’d feel the same as any other performance, but actually, I got quite nervous. I knew I just had to get out there, do it and then see their reaction.’
Oscar was overjoyed to find that all of the judges except Will.i.am had turned their chairs in his favour. The budding celebrity was adamant about who he wanted to be his mentor.
‘It was always Danny since the start. He’s who I wanted. Although Ronan gave a good pitch, I couldn’t be swayed.’
And why rock? ‘It’s for everyone, all ages. You can be more creative than with pop music.’
His rocker persona is distinct from lovely Neil, which is one of the reasons he can’t see the Christmas reunion again.
‘I don’t like the way I look. I’ve grown up now, and look different. I’ve watched The Voice audition back quite a few times though, and I’ve been analysing my performance.’
That doesn’t stop him from having sweet memories of partaking in the iconic episode.
‘Me and Rob Brydon would spend hours playing Scrabble together. I would actually quite like to watch that back – he’s so funny.’
‘I learnt more about acting in two weeks than some people learn in years,’ he added.
‘Ruth taught me how to channel my energy in performances, which I get to use in music too.’
The Voice Kids continues Saturday on ITV1 and ITVX.
Source My Celebrity Life.