Mathew Horne has starred on Gavin and Stacey for almost two decades, but the TV star lives a quiet life away from the limelight.

The 46-year-old actor, best known for his role in the popular TV series as well as appearances in the Catherine Tate Show and Dad’s Army, is said to spend his free time in a quaint Scottish village which he fell head over heels for years ago.

It’s believed he divides his time between his professional commitments in London and a tranquil existence in the picturesque yet secluded village of Helmsdale on the east coast of Sutherland.

With filming for the highly anticipated Gavin & Stacey Christmas 2024 special now complete, it’s thought that the cast has gathered for the very last time.

This could be the ideal moment for Horne to establish more permanent roots in Scotland, if he hasn’t already done so.

Speaking about his affection for the Highlands on That Gaby Roslin podcast, Horne expressed his desire to live there, stating he “would very much like to live there. I am all things Scotophile.”

In a separate interview with the Sunday Post, he previously praised Scotland as “the best country in the world. My shoulders drop and I feel free. It is where my heart lies and hopefully one day I will have a place of my own there so I can retreat as and when I need to.”

He added: “I love the peace and tranquillity and the people. The food is wonderful, the weather is nowhere near as bad as everybody says and midges don’t like me, so that’s good,” reports the Daily Record.

“Most of my downtime when I’m not working is now spent in Scotland.”

Helmsdale, nestled on the famed North Coast 500 (NC500) route, a 516-mile scenic journey through the Scottish Highlands, has captured his heart.

In an interview with the Sunday Post, the actor shared: “I have a very special relationship with Helmsdale. It’s partly because of discovering it when I was in the Highlands because of my ancestry through my great-great-grandparents who were from Huntly.”

He also proudly declared: “That makes me one-eighth Scottish, although I wish I was more.”

The quaint village of Helmsdale dates back to 1814 and thrived during the 19th-century herring boom, bringing wealth to many coastal communities in Scotland.

Today, the historic harbour is still active with local fishermen and offers a picturesque spot for a leisurely stroll. Nearby lies a small shingle beach, boasting breathtaking views across the Moray Firth.

The village also pays homage to its past with the Emigrants statue, commemorating those who were compelled to leave their homes and seek new beginnings elsewhere.

Many visitors come to explore The Timespan Heritage Centre which serves as a cultural beacon, housing a local history museum, art exhibitions, herb gardens, a shop, a bakery and a cafe.

Helmsdale could be the ideal location for anyone who enjoys a wee dram or two. The scenic village is just a short drive from the Old Pulteney, Clynelish, Glenmorangie and Dornoch Distilleries.

But it’s not just the stunning landscapes and tranquil lifestyle that draws the actor to the area. The star, who reportedly owns a two-bedroom flat in London’s Barbican, has taken a very different career path from his former best friend and Gavin and Stacey co-star, James Corden.

While James has achieved astronomical success as a late-night talk show host in America, Mat has chosen to remain closer to home.

Mathew is also said to enjoy spending time on the Isle of Skye and holds a special place in his heart for the city of Edinburgh, where he made his comedy debut at the Fringe Festival in 2000.