Gavin (Mathew Horne)

Gavin is 26 and lives in Billericay, Essex with his parents, Mick and Pam. His best mate, Smithy, lives just down the road and they have known each other since infants' school. He's a salt-of-the-Earth guy - loyal, funny, and big-hearted, the kind of lad anyone would want as a friend. Gavin is gorgeous, but doesn't really know it, and he's never been in love - until now.

Stacey (Joanna Page)

Stacey is also 26 and lives in Barry, South Wales. Her dad died three years ago and she lives with her mum, Gwen. Her best friend, Nessa, is always at her house, and Stacey relies on her for advice. Stacey's very fluffy, but lovely, funny, beautiful, and kind. Unlike Gavin, she has been in love before.

Smithy (James Corden)

Smithy is 26 and is Gavin's best friend. He loves Gavin's parents more than his own and is always round his house. Smithy is very much a "bloke's bloke" - his friends are everything to him and he would lay down his life for Gavin - in theory, at least. He has a girlfriend, Lucy, who's 17 and three quarters, and who no one ever really sees. He loves unusual beer, paintball, and West Ham.

Nessa (Ruth Jones)

Nessa is approximately 40 and works in the arcade on Barry Island. She's Barry-born and bred, and yet she's worked in places as far-flung as Peru, Namibia, and Egypt. She's had sex with most of the men in Barry, plus several celebrities. Nothing really fazes Nessa. She's stoical and grimly accepting of life, but she's also loyal and protective of those she loves -especially Stacey, Bryn, and Gwen.

Pam (Alison Steadman)

Gavin's mum, Pam, is in her early fifties and has been married to Mick for 26 years. She adores her only son, Gavin - her "little prince". Pam is an Essex wife who doesn't have to work and loves a good party. She's glamorous and fun to be with, and she still has a great relationship with Mick. However, she can get a little hysterical when her lively imagination starts to run wild. She also loves Camilla Parker Bowles.

Mick (Larry Lamb)

Mick is in his mid-'50s. He's happy with his life and runs his own company, plays golf and goes to the pub quiz every Tuesday night. He knows how to handle his wife Pam's hysteria and is content for her to wear the pants in the house - until he wants them back, that is.

Bryn (Rob Brydon)

Bryn is in his late-forties, single, and doesn't work. He lives across the road from Stacey and her mother, Gwen, and is fiercely protective of them - especially since Trevor (Stacey's dad) died, God rest his soul. Something of an optimistic loner, Bryn loves meeting new people and having new experiences - even if it is trying out a skinny wet latte. He's fascinated by technology and terrified of sex.

Gwen (Melanie Walters)

Gwen, Stacey's mum, is in her late forties and a widow. She's barely been out of Barry and lives her life through other people. She's a consummate homemaker who will whip you up an omelet at any opportunity, and she has a heart of gold. Her seemingly timid exterior belies a more daring side that sometimes pops out when you least expect.