Joanna Page, the much-loved Welsh actress best known as Stacey in the BAFTA-winning sitcom “Gavin and Stacey,” recently opened up about a troubling episode during her entertainment career. Page’s revelation, drawn from her autobiography “Lush!” and public interviews, detailed how she was groped by a well-known TV host but initially stayed silent to avoid making a “fuss”, a decision echoing the industry’s historic challenges with harassment claims.
The Incident: What Happened?
Joanna Page described the moment as sudden and unsettling. During a filming session, after being expressly warned by a female producer that the presenter was “very handsy” and likely to “start touching” her, she found herself being groped halfway through the shoot. Reacting on instinct, Page pushed the host’s hands away and said, “What do you think you’re bloody doing? I feel like I’m in Bristol Zoo being mauled by the lions.” After confronting him, the behaviour stopped.
The producer’s warning, far from being a shield, implied that this was expected and that Joanna Page would need to tolerate it. She later reflected on the bizarre normality of such warnings in her book, noting, “It was something you got used to” in the industry at that time.
Why She Stayed Silent
Joanna Page’s reluctance to speak out immediately was influenced by industry pressure and a personal desire not to “make a fuss.” Legal considerations also played a role in her decision not to publicly name the TV host. However, the most significant driver was the pervasive culture that normalised such conduct, particularly for young actresses facing stiff competition and fearing backlash or being labelled as “difficult” by colleagues and superiors.
She explained that for many young women starting out, claims of sexual harassment would often be brushed aside or result in lost opportunities, making it difficult for victims to come forward. “You got used to it,” she said, underlining the normalised nature of these experiences within the entertainment landscape of her early career.
A Broader Problem in the Industry
Joanna Page’s experience is part of a wider conversation about the mistreatment of women in the entertainment business. The normalisation of predatory behaviour and the expectation that victims “handle it quietly” has only recently begun to change with greater openness and increasing calls for accountability, especially after the #MeToo movement gained global traction.
Despite these advances, Joanna Page believes young actresses still remain particularly vulnerable. The need for work, the desire not to be branded as troublemakers, and the fear of career damage can lead many to stay silent, repeating the cycle of abuse and complicity.
Joanna Page: More Than Gavin & Stacey
While this recent revelation has put her name in the spotlight again, Joanna Page’s career extends far beyond this single controversy. Trained at the Royal Academy of Dramatic Arts (RADA), Joanna Page began with acclaimed stage roles for the Royal Shakespeare Company and the National Theatre. She’s well-regarded for parts in films such as “Love Actually” and “From Hell,” and has had an extensive presenting career on shows like BBC One’s “Shop Well for Less,” ITV’s “The Pet Show,” and the BBC podcast “Off The Telly.” She’s also had notable work in voice acting and has frequently appeared as a panellist on “Loose Women”.
Her marriage to actor James Thornton and their four children have also been public aspects of her life, and she speaks candidly about balancing a demanding career with family commitments.
Personal Growth and Advocacy
For Joanna Page, writing her memoir “Lush!” was described as a “therapy session,” allowing her to process difficult episodes and reflect on her journey both professionally and personally. By sharing her story, she hopes to add to the ongoing dialogue about harassment in show business and empower other women to trust their instincts and stand up to inappropriate treatment, despite the challenges that persist.
What’s Next for Joanna Page
As “Gavin and Stacey” remains a beloved part of British popular culture, especially with its recent award-winning finale, Page continues to evolve as both a performer and presenter. Her willingness to confront difficult truths and break longstanding silences is already making a difference in raising industry awareness and inspiring others to do the same.
