The viral clip of reality star Gemma Collins’ attempting to sing the iconic Dafydd Iwan song, Yma o Hyd, as the Wales football team faced England in the 2022 World Cup campaign has been seen by thousands.
But who was behind the stunt?
Well, S4C’s Hansh team have taken responsibility – the clip is an extract from the first episode of a brand new Hansh series called Mwy na Daffs a Taffs (More than Daffs and Taffs), available to stream now. The reality series aims to challenge the old clichés that arise when Wales is discussed with people who haven’t been brought up here.
How did Hansh go about it? Remaining true to Hansh‘s style of mischief-making and comedy, singer, actress and presenter Miriam Isaac will bring together a selection of the UK’s most famous reality celebrities with their own biases and assumptions about Wales and immerse them in our culture. Each of the six episodes will see one familiar face spend two days in Wales, before revealing if their original prejudices and beliefs have changed.
Miriam Isaac:
“I want to know what influencers think about Wales. Will throwing them into uniquely Welsh experiences change their attitude towards Wales? Perhaps? Hopefully!”
Familiar faces taking part include TOWIE‘s Gemma Collins, former The Apprentice candidate Ryan-Mark Parsons and Love Island finalist Luca Bish. So what do the celebs think before they get a taste of Wales?
“When I think of Wales, I think of Valley life” admits Gemma. “A load of sheep poo and loads of sheep. And coal mines”. Hmmm. Miriam, Gemma has so much to learn. A trip to the Tregaron Eisteddfod should do it.
And what does Luca think? “When you think of Wales, I think of it as a small part of England. I know one Welsh word; Diech, Diolk… Diolch? My only connection to Wales would be, growing up I used to support Tottenham and Gareth Bale used to play for them. I’ve listened to Tom Jones’ ‘ere and there.” Will Luca’s views change after spending time with Miriam and Lili Jones, the young star of Wrexham women’s football team?
“Most Welsh people have met someone who thinks Wales is another part of England,” said Guto Rhun, S4C’s Young Audience Commissioner. “We know Wales has so much more to offer than daffodils and sheep. The series aims to challenge these prejudices and assumptions as well as bring popular talent from across the UK to our platforms. By challenging and provoking, we hope to spark discussion as well as pose the question, do we do enough to promote Wales and our unique and diverse culture? By showing a modern Wales and our relationship with the rest of the world Mwy na Daffs a Taffs shines a light on our rich and varied culture.”
The first three episodes of Mwy na Daffs a Taffs are available now on S4C Clic, BBC iPlayer and all Hansh platforms. Another three episodes featuring Tallia Storm, Blu Hydrangea and Vick Hope will follow in the summer.
