Joanna Page

Joanna Page, a Welsh actress and presenter, was born on March 23, 1977, in Treboeth, Swansea, Wales. She is best known for her role as Stacey Shipman in the BAFTA-winning television series Gavin & Stacey. Page graduated from the Royal Academy of Dramatic Art (RADA) in 1998.

Early Career and Theatre Work

After graduating from RADA, Page spent approximately a decade focusing on stage roles, performing in productions for the Royal National Theatre and the Royal Shakespeare Company. Her early work primarily consisted of costume dramas, which helped her establish a solid foundation in acting.

Transition to Film

Page made her film debut in 1999 with a minor role in Miss Julie. She gained further recognition for her portrayal of Dora Spenlow in the 1999 adaptation of David Copperfield. In 2001, she appeared in From Hell, a film starring Johnny Depp, where she played Ann Crook. Her role as Just Judy in the 2003 romantic comedy Love Actually brought her international attention, as she portrayed a body double in a series of lighthearted scenes.

Breakthrough with Gavin & Stacey

Page's most notable role came in 2007 when she was cast as Stacey Shipman in the BBC comedy series Gavin & Stacey. The show, which aired until 2010 and returned for a Christmas special in 2019, received critical acclaim and won several awards, including the BAFTA. Page's performance as the lovable and bubbly Stacey endeared her to audiences and solidified her status in British television.

Continued Film Work

In 2012, Page starred as Mrs. Peterson in Nativity 2: Danger in the Manger!, a festive comedy that showcased her versatility as an actress. She continued to take on diverse roles, including Angela Davies in the 2020 film Dream Horse, which tells the true story of a Welsh community's efforts to breed a racehorse.

Recent Projects

Page has expanded her career into presenting, co-hosting the BBC One consumer series Shop Well for Less alongside Melanie Sykes. She also co-presented The Pet Show on ITV with Dermot O'Leary, further showcasing her versatility in the entertainment industry.

Personal Life

Page married English actor James Thornton in 2003. The couple has four children together: Eva (born 2013), Kit (born 2015), Noah (born 2016), and Boe (born 2021). They have openly discussed the challenges of balancing their careers with family life, particularly during the COVID-19 lockdowns.

Recent Endeavors

In 2023, Page began appearing as a regular panellist on the ITV talk show Loose Women, bringing her charm and wit to daytime television. She also filmed the BBC television feature Men Up, about the first clinical trials for the drug Viagra that took place in Swansea in 1994, showcasing her continued commitment to diverse and meaningful projects.