A lookalike of Nessa from Gavin and Stacey says work has gone “through the roof” amid rumours the show is set to make a return.
Karyn Barrett started her doppelgänger work as a side hustle while running a cafe.
The BBC sitcom started in 2007 but left TV screens in 2010, briefly reappearing in 2019 for a Christmas special.
The 46-year-old, a dead ringer of Nessa played by Ruth Jones, was always getting stopped by fans in the street asking for photos and voice notes.
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Karyn conducts her own ‘Nesflix’ events and often appears on the Barry Island tours making special appearances aboard Dave’s coaches coach trips.
But, following talk of another festive return this year, demand skyrocketed.
She said: “With the buzz of the show, my profile and workload has gone through the roof.
“Everybody wants a piece of Ness.”
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Karyn, created the name Knock of Nessa, and said: “It all kicked off a few years ago when I was running a café and I decided when we were doing the light switch on for the local High Street.
“That’s where she was born.
“I also got a job for the BBC as a body double and voice-over for Ness.
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“What was a little bit of a side hustle has taken over my life – it’s my bread and butter now and I wouldn’t have it any other way.
“I love it, truth be told.
“It’s been the best thing ever for me as a whole.
“I also do a lot of free work for local charities including TY Hafan and Walking Tall and a new mental health charity in Wales.
“A walk down the local High Street to go and get a packet of crisps takes forever because everybody wants me to say a voice note, so they can send it to their daughters or girlfriends.
“I get recognised everywhere I go.
“I actually think my own family has forgotten what my real name is.
“I literally can’t walk down the street without people shouting oh Ness what’s occurring they love it.
“I’m not going to lie, I was absolutely over the moon – I got so excited.
“I emailed Ruth to offer my services as a body double and voice-over because I’ve already done it once for the BBC and I was hoping that I could get in on the film again, it was the best news we’ve had in a long time.
“It would mean the world to the people of Barry as well as.”
Nessa proposed to Smithy, played by James Corden, in the last Yuletide special.
Karyn told What’s The Jam: “Smithy is not everyone’s cup of tea, but he’s Nessa’s cup of tea, and he’d be a fool to turn her down.
“She’s got a cracking rack and an open mind… what’s not to love?
“I’ll be over the moon if they get married.”
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