Sonia, Smithy’s unexpected girlfriend, has generated more discussion than most of the characters in Gavin & Stacey. Fans were excited to see the most recent antics of their favorite Barry Island crew when the cherished series returned for its 2019 Christmas special. However, they weren’t prepared for Smithy to show up with a stranger—someone other than Nessa.
Sonia, portrayed by actress Laura Aikman, stood in sharp contrast to Gavin & Stacey’s world. She didn’t like Nessa’s unusual gift-giving, she wasn’t enchanted by Uncle Bryn’s eccentricities, and she most definitely didn’t like the chaos that characterized Smithy’s extended family. The cozy dynamic that fans had adored for years seemed to be disrupted by her presence.
Laura Aikman: Who is she? Sonia’s Actress
Although fans were divided over Sonia’s character, Laura Aikman’s career has been anything but contentious. Aikman is a seasoned actress with a strong filmography who has been a mainstay on British television for many years.
She started her acting career as a child, costarring with Anthony Hopkins in Surviving Picasso, after being born on Christmas Eve in 1985. She has acted in popular dramas over the years, including Liar, Waterloo Road, Casualty, and ITV’s Archie, in which she portrayed Hollywood actress Dyan Cannon. Additionally, she has demonstrated her comedic abilities in Keith Lemon: The Film, The Job Lot, and Citizen Khan.
Here’s a closer look at Aikman’s career and background:
Laura Aikman – Career and Personal Information
| Category | Details |
|---|---|
| Full Name | Laura Holly Aikman ( Smithy’s Girlfriend Sonia ) |
| Date of Birth | December 24, 1985 |
| Birthplace | Brent, London, England |
| Nationality | British |
| Profession | Actress |
| Years Active | 1996–present |
| Notable Roles | Casualty, Waterloo Road, Gavin & Stacey, Liar, Archie |
| Spouse | Matt Kennard (married in 2019) |
| Major Employers | BBC, ITV , IMDb |
Click here for more details on Gavin & Stacey and Laura Aikman’s career.
The Part Sonia Plays in Gavin and Stacey
Sonia didn’t have a smooth debut in the 2019 Christmas special. She was late, and Uncle Bryn’s lavish Christmas preparations didn’t impress her right away. She made a number of casual remarks regarding Smithy’s weight, expressed disapproval of the sleeping arrangements, and appeared clearly uneasy with the peculiar customs of the family.
She decided to spend the remaining holidays with her own family instead of Smithy by the end of the episode. Reactions to her departure were divided; some viewers expressed relief, while others wondered if Sonia was intended to undermine Smithy’s long-standing bond with Nessa.
The 2024 Turnaround: Sonia’s Unexpected Comeback
The much-anticipated 2024 Christmas finale of Gavin & Stacey threw another curveball just when viewers thought they had seen the last of Sonia. This time, she made a surprise reappearance in Smithy’s life while working on wedding gift registries at a John Lewis store.
The fan base was rocked by her return. Was Smithy’s marriage to Sonia truly imminent? Was this just another setback on the path to his unavoidable reunion with Nessa, or had their relationship developed off-screen? Sonia’s return was one of the most talked-about parts of the finale because the show kept viewers guessing.
Keeping It Under Wraps: Aikman’s Family Was In the Dark
One of the funniest behind-the-scenes facts regarding Sonia’s comeback was that not even Laura Aikman’s relatives knew she was playing the part again. They were watching the episode together on Christmas Day when Sonia came on screen, and they all burst out laughing.
Later, Aikman posted a video of their responses, showing their excitement and incredulity. “Press pause!” yelled one family member, and “You never told me!” cried another. Aikman’s impish reply? “An NDA is something I take very seriously.”
The producers of the show even left a blank space on the cast board where her character’s photo should have been in order to keep her return a secret. This degree of secrecy only made it more shocking when Sonia’s face eventually showed up.
Why Sonia Was Not Designed to Be Included
Sonia stood out—and not in a good way—in contrast to the majority of Gavin & Stacey’s characters, who fit in with the show’s cozy, quirky charm with ease. Her purpose was not to be lovable. She was intended to be an outsider who didn’t fully “get” Barry Island’s magic or Smithy and Nessa’s profound, unsaid bond.
Her persona fulfilled a crucial function. She was there to force Smithy to step outside of his comfort zone and discover what was really important to him. The wrong person can occasionally make the right one seem better. In the narrative, Sonia served as more than just an unwanted visitor; she was the impetus that pushed Smithy in the direction of the future he was destined for.
