Inside Gavin and Stacey star Mathew Horne's life in remote Scottish village

A charming Scottish village has won over Gavin and Stacey star Mathew Horne. Worlds away from the Essex home of his character in the popular TV series, the 47-year-old performer is thought to have previously ditched city life and moved to Helmsdale on Sutherland's eastern shore.

Originally from Nottingham, the comedy star, who has also appeared in the Catherine Tate Show and Dad's Army, was believed to split his time between London and a quieter, more peaceful existence in the beautiful yet remote village. Speaking about his love for the Highlands, he previously shared on That Gaby Roslin podcast that he "would very much like to live there. I am all things Scotophile."

In a separate interview, the performer told the Sunday Post, describing 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 continued: "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.

"Most of my downtime when I'm not working is now spent in Scotland."

Helmsdale, a scenic village along the North Coast 500 (NC500) route, provides a spectacular 516-mile adventure through the magnificent landscapes of the Scottish Highlands.

Speaking to the Sunday Post, he revealed: "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 went on to say: "That makes me one-eighth Scottish, although I wish I was more."

The settlement's origins date back to 1814 and are closely linked with the 19th-century herring boom, which delivered wealth to numerous Scottish coastal towns.

The formerly thriving harbour continues to be utilised by local fishermen and serves as a beloved destination for a stroll. Close by, visitors will find a small pebble beach providing stunning views across the Moray Firth.

The settlement also features the Emigrants statue. A moving testament to the town's troubled history, this monument honours those who were compelled to abandon their homes and venture across the globe to begin afresh.

Modern-day tourists can visit The Timespan Heritage Centre, a well-liked community facility that contains not only a regional history museum but also a modern art programme, herb gardens, a shop, a bakery and a cafe.

Helmsdale might also prove perfect for those who enjoy a tipple or two. The delightful settlement sits conveniently close to the Old Pulteney, Clynelish, Glenmorangie and Dornoch Distilleries.

Mathew has previously declared Glasgow as his 'favourite city' and holds a special affection for Edinburgh, the city where he first made his comedy debut at the Fringe Festival in 2000.