Over the years, Hywel Llywelyn’s eventful love life has earned him a reputation as the Casanova of Cwmderi, but this week on Pobol y Cwm, as the day of his wedding to Gaynor approaches, is it time to banish this title forever?
Actor Andrew Teilo, who has played the role of Hywel for over 20 years, talks about how the character has changed:
“I hesitate before saying that Hywel has changed completely, and as an actor I hope he never does because I’ve had a great deal of fun playing the role.
“But I think that now Hywel is putting the emphasis on different values. I don’t think you can ever completely change your core character, but people can try to change by recognising their faults and trying to improve their behaviour.”
Both bride and groom have been unfaithful during their relationship. Hywel had an affair with Ffion, his ex-wife, and questions remain whether he is the father of her unborn baby. Gaynor also had an affair with Macs, the school’s young mathematics teacher and her daughter Izzy’s ex boyfriend. Considering this, is there any chance the marriage will work?
“The two characters are at an age now where they feel the marriage has to work. There’s more motivation to make it work, especially since they’ve both been married before.
“I think Hywel’s attitude towards marriage is part of the superficial change that’s happened to him. He is more committed to the idea of marriage and this time it means so much more to him.
“Also, considering the way Hywel has treated some of his former lovers, I think he’s more likely to forgive Gaynor for her affair and to believe her when she says it will never happen again.”
Hywel’s first wife was Stacey Jones, a pupil of Hywel’s when he was a school teacher. His second wife was Ffion, a sports teacher, and now he’s marrying Gaynor Evans, the headmistress!
“It’s safe to say that Hywel has a thing for women associated with schools! It’s funny because one of the first storylines I was given on Pobol y Cwm was Hywel as a young teacher having an affair with the headmistress!”
In the Deri on the eve of the wedding day, tensions build between Hywel and Macs as the groom shares a joke about his bride. Meanwhile in Llwyncelyn, Gaynor shares an emotional moment with her ex husband Colin.
By the end of the evening Gaynor is looking for a shoulder to cry on. But as she picks up the phone, is it Hywel’s number she’s dialling?
The week of the wedding on Pobol y Cwm, Monday to Friday 20 to 24 August 8.00pm (English subtitles)
Also, weekdays at 6.30pm/6.35pm with on-screen English subtitles
Omnibus, Sundays with on-screen English subtitles