TWO stars of Barry Island sitcom Gavin and Stacey have been awarded OBEs in the Queen's New Year' Honour's list.

James Corden, who co-wrote the show as well as starring as Smithy, and Sheridan Smith, who played Smithy's sister Rudi, have both been named among this year's recipients.

The two join fellow Gavin and Stacey stars Ruth Jones, Rob Brydon and Alison Steadman, who have all previously been awarded OBEs.

Corden, 36, 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.

“My family are very proud. My mum is already fretting about what to wear.”

Sheridan Smith was equally delighted. "I’m sincerely thankful and humbled to be recognised with such an honour," she said.

"I’m overwhelmed and hope to continue doing the work that I love for many years to come.”

Since starring in Gavin and Stacey, James Corden has hosted sports quiz panel show A League Of Their Own, hosting the Brit Awards and appeared in numerous big-screen roles.

He will soon be starring alongside Johnny Depp and Meryl Streep in the film Into The Woods, and will take on one of the biggest gigs of his career, stepping in as the new host for popular US chat series The Late Late Show, replacing long-time presenter Craig Ferguson.

Sheridan Smith went from her supporting role in Gavin and Stacey to winning an Olivier Award for her performance in the musical Legally Blonde.

She has received plaudits for roles on both stage and screen, won a BAFTA for her role in Mrs Biggs and most recently starred as Cilla Black in a critically praised ITV biopic.