TEN years on from the first airing of Barry-based sitcom Gavin & Stacey, traders have reflected on how the comedy turned around the Island’s fortunes.

The Barry and Essex-set award winning BBC sitcom ran from May 13, 2007 to January 1, 2010 and comprised of three series and two Christmas specials which went from BBC Three to global success.

The show used locations such as Marco’s Café, Island Leisure amusement arcade, Boofy’s, Codfather of Sole, Barry Island Pleasure Park and Trinity Street. Since the show’s enormous success fans have continued to flock to Barry, eager to see where the award winning show was filmed.

Marco Zeraschi, whose café on The Square, Barry Island, was used as Stacey’s workplace, said that the show was instrumental in turning around Barry Island’s fortunes - a change which has continued on through the redevelopment of the promenade and the resurrection of the Pleasure Park.

“It’s turned around Barry Island’s fortunes and transformed it from a seasonal resort to one all year around,” he said.

“Barry Island was portrayed in such a positive light it made it look enticing.

“Gavin & Stacey has given tourism a boost – all from a free advert on the BBC. It was the best thing that happened to Barry Island in a long time.”

He added: “America has Hollywood, India has Bollywood and we have Barrywood with Doctor Who, Being Human, the Sarah Jane Adventures and Casualty all coming here since.

“Barry Island is such a cosmopolitan place and with the increased number of businesses, with extended hours, the series has helped give people lots of jobs.”

Boofy Clemo, owner of the Western arcade chip shop, said his shop had featured in all three series and customers loved to visit the characters’ chip shop of choice.

The final shot, broadcast on January 1 2010, featured Nessa, Smithy, Gavin and Stacey, eating chips sat on the sea wall outside his shop.

He said: “I watched it and thought ‘oh my God’. About 15 million people have just seen the Boofy’s logo all over the country and abroad.

“I had texts galore from all my family and friends all over the world. You couldn’t ask for better publicity for myself and Barry Island and all it cost was some bags of chips.”

Craig O’Shea, who runs the café next door and has previously credited the ‘Gavin and Stacey effect’ for changing the face of the Island, is laying on a Gavin and Stacey themed menu to celebrate the anniversary on Saturday, May 13.

Since the show ended, many have hoped for a return.

Councillor for Barry Island’s Baruc ward Nic Hodges said: “It would be lovely if we could have a one-off special to tie up loose ends and show the progress Barry Island has made since Gavin and Stacey ended.

“It’s a lovely part of the town’s social history. Lots of filming has taken place and we must be mindful of any opportunity to showcase Barry. It’s bringing business and customers and it’s fun spotting the locations.”