BARRY residents and traders have welcomed any potential return of worldwide hit BBC show Gavin and Stacey - after writer James Corden said that he 'definitely planned' to do more with the characters in future.

Corden was reported on Sunday as saying there is still a future for the award-winning show, although he later took to twitter to calm rumours of any imminent return to the screen.

Andrew Phillips, of Island Leisure amusement arcade on Barry Island - also known as Nessa’s Slots - said: "We could do with a boost – and I think if it does happen it would give Barry Island a massive boost.

"It would rejuvenate everything that has gone on so far.

"We are hoping there will be a special or a new series, although I can't see it at the moment.

"But it's already had a dramatic impact on Barry Island," he added.

"We have had people from all over the world, including New Zealand, America and Australia, come here because of it. It's been tremendous for Barry."

Writer Corden posted a message on twitter saying: "Getting loads of messages about a Gavin and Stacey special. I'm sorry to say there are no plans right now, but maybe one day! X"

Nino, of Marco's Cafe, added: "I saw it on twitter and realised it was false hope, but maybe in the future they will do something."

Glenda Kenyon, whose Trinity Street home is used as Stacey's house in the show, said she would welcome any return of the award-winning series.

"It would be fantastic," she said.

"It's what we have been waiting for. They haven't finished off what they started. There's still the fishing trip and Stacey's baby to find out about!"

Glenda, who has featured on the Graham Norton show and welcomes Gavin and Stacey fans into her own house, added: "To me it's special. I've had people from Australia, South Africa, New Zealand and Canada come to see the house, and 8,733 people have signed my petition calling for another series."

And she added that a return of the Bafta-winning series would boost Barry.

"I think everyone would be over the moon - everyone here wants it back," she said.

"We will probably get a lot more visitors as well."

Glenda, who has tour groups booked for August, September, October, November and December to visit her house, added: "I don’t think Ruth Jones and James Corden realised how popular it was!"