James Corden and Ruth Jones’ project reveals Gavin and Stacey isn’t over
There's still some life left in the beloved comedy.
There’s good news on the horizon for Gavin and Stacey fans, as James Corden and Ruth Jones have an exciting new project in the works.
While the 2024 Christmas special marked a bookend for the iconic BBC series, and both co-creators James and Ruth insisted there would be no more, that isn’t strictly true.
In December, over 19million total viewers tuned in to discover whether Smithy and Nessa would tie the knot in a triumph of a special, which garnered the Beeb’s largest Christmas Day audience in more than a decade.
As we all rejoiced in living rooms across the country, the unlikely pair finally got their happy ending, with all our favourite characters back for one last hurrah.
Now we’ve all stopped crying over that moment when Mick Shipman (Larry Lamb) stood up in the church, James, 46, and Ruth, 58, have revealed their pens are out once more.
Following Gavin and Stacey: The Finale, the writers are set to release a new book titled When Gavin Met Stacey and Everything in Between: A Story of Love and Friendship.
James Corden and Ruth Jones are working together on a new project (Picture: Ian West/PA Wire)The book will cover everything Gavin and Stacey-related from start to finish, including how the sitcom came about, the unprecedented nationwide success it achieved over the years, and, of course, that ending.
Transworld Publishers, part of Penguin Random House, previously gave us a teaser of what to expect, saying the book will ‘recount the rejection, obstacles, and challenges [James and Ruth] faced on the way to giving birth to their beloved comedy creation’.
The actors will also ‘explore the flourishing of their own real-life friendship’, which will inevitably provide many a laugh and teary moment for readers.
Juicier details of the book’s contents are being kept under wraps for now, but James and Ruth will appear at the Hay Festival in Hay-on-Wye, Powys, on May 23 to discuss the project.
Global chief executive of Hay Festival, which also welcomes Sir Stephen Fry, Paloma Faith, and Michael Sheen this year, Julie Finch said: ‘We are delighted to welcome James Corden and Ruth Jones together on the Hay Festival 2025 programme for a joyful discussion about friendship, creativity, and perseverance.
‘After dominating the TV schedule with the Gavin and Stacey Christmas special, it feels like the perfect moment to hear them on the art of screenwriting, storytelling in collaboration, and Wales’ cultural impact.’
Over 19million people tuned in for the beloved comedy’s finale on Christmas Day (Picture: Tom Jackson/BBC/PA Wire)Former Late Late Show host James first worked with Welsh actress Ruth on Teachers and Fat Friends before they went on to create Gavin and Stacey together.
Their friendship has spanned over two decades, with James and Ruth even sitting down together to watch Gavin and Stacey’s final outing on Christmas Day, which came five years after the last festive ep in 2019.
Speaking on Heart Radio last year, the actor described Ruth as someone whom he ‘loves more than you could ever imagine’ as he reflected on what makes the show so great.
Comment nowWould you like another Gavin and Stacey spin-off?Comment Now‘If you like it, if it feels like it’s about love and friendship, it’s because, at the core of it, there is a loving friendship that means more to me personally than even the show does,’ he shared sweetly.
As for why Gavin and Stacey had to finish, Ruth explained in their documentary: ‘When Smithy and Nessa got together, that really is the end, because we can never see them actually together.
‘Seeing Smithy put the bins out, it just won’t work.’
Smithy and Nessa finally got their happy ending – but co-writers James and Ruth insisted that would be the end (Picture: BBC)However, there has since been talk of potential spin-offs with other characters, such as Dawn and Pete, played by Julia Davis and Adrian Scarborough.
Bosses were reportedly keen to strike while the iron was hot and sign the two actors up for their own series, as an insider claimed TV execs would be ‘mad to close the door’ on the franchise just yet. Alas, nothing has been confirmed.
Our next slice of Gavin and Stacey action will come in May, as the finale has been recognised in the most memorable moment category at this year’s TV Baftas.
It’s currently unknown whether any cast members will attend, but the awards take place on May 11 with Alan Cumming as host.
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