**Gavin and Stacey Star Larry Lamb Caught in Humorous Train Mishap**
Larry Lamb, well-known for his role as Mick Shipman in the much-loved BBC sitcom ‘Gavin and Stacey’, has candidly shared details of an embarrassing encounter while travelling by train, shedding light on the unique challenges familiar faces often face in public. The 77-year-old actor, whose television career has spanned decades including a prominent stint in ‘EastEnders’, found himself in a rather undignified situation after a momentary lapse in concentration.
Lamb recounted the incident during an appearance on comedian Russell Kane’s ‘Pack Your Bags’ podcast, offering listeners a mixture of amusement and second-hand embarrassment. As Lamb explained, he entered a revolving toilet on board a train but unfortunately forgot to press the button that secures the door. Moments later, his privacy was unexpectedly breached.
Describing the scenario with trademark wit, Lamb said, “You know those futuristic toilets on the train—where you push the button and the doors slide shut? Well, try being from ‘Gavin and Stacey’ and forgetting to lock it.” The situation escalated when a fellow passenger, who happened to be a fan of the programme, swung the door open to find the actor in a compromising position. “And you’re just sitting there, and in she walks, looks straight at me and says, ‘Oh! It’s you!’” Lamb recalled, laughing at the memory.
The actor’s candid retelling highlights the double-edged sword faced by public figures: while their recognisable faces often delight fans, they can occasionally lead to awkward encounters in everyday circumstances. Yet, Lamb appeared to take the mishap in good humour, using it as a light-hearted anecdote rather than a cause for embarrassment.
Further sharing amusing tales from his storied career and global travels, Lamb reflected on another missed opportunity during his time working abroad. In the early 1980s, whilst filming the Italian television drama ‘Due Fratelli’ in Verona, Lamb’s path nearly crossed with legendary tenor Luciano Pavarotti. During the podcast, he painted a vivid picture of life as an actor on location—full of unpredictable adventures.
Recalling the episode, Lamb described befriending the head of the backstage crew at Verona’s world-famous concert hall. The offer was simple: meet Pavarotti in person and listen to the singer warm up before a performance. However, fate and personal distraction had other plans for the actor that night. “What do I do? I end up chasing after a French woman and missed my chance to meet Pavarotti,” he admitted, adding another humorous chapter to his collection of near-miss moments.
Lamb’s anecdotes serve not only as a reminder of celebrities’ ordinary blunders, but also illustrate the spontaneous and sometimes chaotic nature of life in the spotlight. His ability to laugh at himself and share such stories publicly continues to endear him to fans across generations.
Meanwhile, the resurgence of interest in ‘Gavin and Stacey’, alongside announcements of upcoming reunions and specials, has kept Lamb firmly in the hearts of British audiences. These stories further cement his reputation as a relatable and down-to-earth figure, both on and off the screen.
As Lamb’s accounts demonstrate, even for recognisable personalities, the unpredictability of daily life can lead to both mortifying and memorable moments. In a world obsessed by polished public images, his honesty and willingness to laugh at himself offers a refreshing dose of humility and charm.