Ruth Jones loves getting into Gavin and Stacey character… even if its not her own
In one of a series of interviews about the final episode of Gavin & Stacey, Ruth Jones talks about the sadness of bringing the show to an end, her fond memories of playing Nessa, and writing with James Corden.
How did it feel to be back writing and filming for Gavin & Stacey for the last time?
It was a mixture of excitement, nostalgia and sadness. Sad of course because this is the last time these characters will ever be on screen again, but so exciting to bring them to life again. And nostalgic because we’d be on set with the cast and we’d go down memory lane remembering the early episodes. We often reminisced about Maggie John who’s no longer with us but we felt she was in spirit, especially when we were on Trinity Street. [Maggie played neighbour Doris, and died in 2011, aged 84]
It’s always so enjoyable to be in the room writing with James. We act out the characters when we write – I love playing Bryn and Stacey and James does a great Pamelarr!
In 2007 the first episode aired, can you remember those early years?
I suppose in the first series we just didn’t know what the show was or how it was going to look or anything so it was all a bit of a gamble, diving into the unknown. It started off as this quiet little show on BBC Three with 500,000 viewers, we had no idea how big it would grow. I remember a couple of people texting me after the first episode went out saying ‘oh I like that new thing you’re in’ and it just felt great to have a little bit of positive feedback.
What is your earliest Gavin & Stacey memory?
Day one filming in London on Dave’s coach with Jo Page. It was so exciting that this show me and James had been working on for all this time was finally coming to life. Being in Leicester Square dressed as Nessa and handing Smithy a piece of pizza and both our characters taking such an instant dislike to one another, who’d have thought those two characters would go on the journey they’ve so far gone on!
Did you ever imagine you’d still be here writing the show 17 years later?
I guess you can’t really think like that. But I feel terribly proud of how long it’s lasted and how people who weren’t even born when it came out are now fans. That means such a lot.
Have the characters evolved in the way you thought they would back then or have you developed them as you’ve gone along?
We’ve developed them as we’ve gone along. For example, Dave Coaches was only ever meant to be in one episode for the trip to London, but Steffan is such a great actor and he brought the character so brilliantly to life, we ended up writing him in pretty much all the episodes!
Do you have a favourite Nessa moment from the entire series?
There are so many. I love Nessa. I wish I could be more like her in real life. Off the top of my head I’d say the scene in the caravan in series three when Dave is jealous about her and Smithy sleeping together and she reassures him that it wasn’t the same as when she and Dave are together, ‘I didn’t have my bag, my tools, my cloak!’
I loved the wedding fair scene in series one when she tries on all this S&M gear and says: ‘Oh love. I’ll take all this. But I don’t need another whip.’
Lastly, I guess the proposal at the end of the 2019 special will always be a Nessa favourite. It’s one of the very few times we see Nessa vulnerable.
What does Gavin & Stacey mean to you?
It’s been a very special time in my life and it’s spanned 17 years. The lovely friends I’ve made from it and the happy times we’ve had filming are such a joy. I feel very lucky to have been part of it.
Why do you think the show continues to be so popular?
I think it’s because it’s so relatable – people recognise themselves or people they love in it. And it’s not a cynical show, everyone in it loves each other.
Did you sneak any memorabilia home with you from set?
I stole the glazed egg holder from Gwen’s that always sat on the windowsill in her kitchen! The one that’s shaped like a hen.
How did it feel to be on set for the last time with everyone?
It was very emotional, and very lovely. Like we were all saying goodbye to it together.
• Gavin & Stacey: The Finale will air at 9pm on Christmas Day and the behind-the-scenes documentary Gavin & Stacey: A Fond Farewell will air at 7pm on New Year’s Day, both on BBC One and iPlayer.
Published: 10 Dec 2024
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