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Gavin and Stacey star Neil the Baby to meet feathered namesake

News | Rhys Williams | Published: 12:41, Friday November 28th, 2025.
Last updated: 12:42, Friday November 28th, 2025

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Baby Neil the emu
Baby Neil the emu

Gavin and Stacey‘s Neil the Baby is set to meet his feathered namesake at a Caerphilly wildlife park this weekend.

Actor and singer Oscar Hartland, from Machen, will meet Neil the Baby emu, who has found recent fame after his owners’ efforts to set him up with a partner.

Oscar will be visiting the Meadows Wildlife Park on Saturday November 29, where he will perform at its Christmas lights event.

He will be performing between 4pm and 5.45pm, with the event going on until 7pm.

Oscar Hartland during Gavin and Stacey filming
Oscar Hartland during Gavin and Stacey filming

But while Neil the emu can meet Oscar, he will have to wait a little longer to meet EJ – the female emu he has been set up with.

Due to ongoing bird flu rules, that meeting can’t go ahead just yet, but Katherine Watkins, owner of the Meadows, is hopeful something can be arranged next year.

It comes after Rhian Evans, an emu owner from Gloucestershire, appeared on ITV’s This Morning earlier this month searching for a husband for EJ.

Katherine was watching the show that day, and instantly thought of Neil – a 20-month-old who was the only one of 14 eggs to hatch in March last year.

On Monday November 17, a film crew descended on the Meadows, broadcasting live to millions across the country.

Presenters Ben Shephard and Cat Deeley met Neil via live feed and chatted with Katherine, as well as park manager Megan Smith and keeper Ffion Rees.

Katherine also discussed why Neil could be the perfect match for EJ: “Neil has the loveliest temperament.

“He’s docile, funny, and full of character — and of course he has the most fantastic fluffy hair. We think he and EJ could make a wonderful pair.”

‘I’m ready to do it the hard way’: Gavin and Stacey star focusing on career in music

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The Meadows Wildlife Park
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