‘Gavin and Stacey’ star Ruth Jones set to embark on major new project
Gavin and Stacey’s actress Ruth Jones is set to reprise her role as Nessa Jenkins, just days after 12 million viewers tuned in for the final episode.
The 58-year-old actress will don Nessa’s signature black bob wig and leather skirt once more to read Radio 4’s Shipping Forecast in celebration of its centenary on New Year’s Day.
According to Daily Mail, Jones explained the connection between her character and the iconic broadcast by saying, “Nessa has got quite a colorful history, and one of her jobs was on the high seas. The Shipping Forecast was always very important and useful to her.”
Moreover, the special reading marked the first time a Gavin and Stacey character has returned, despite Jones and co-creator James Corden previously ruling our writing additional episodes of the hit series.
This followed the success of the Gavin and Stacey finale, which aired on Christmas Day and attracted an average audience of 12.3 million, the highest Christmas ratings since 2008.
As per the publication, the centenary of the Shipping Forecast will also feature appearances by Julie Hesmondhalgh, Stephen Fry, Adrian Dunbar, and sailor Dame Ellen MacArthur.
Meanwhile, special programming will air throughout the day, with contributors reflecting on the forecast’s historic significance and sharing personal memories.
Additionally, Radio 4 controller Mohit Bakaya called the Shipping Forecast “one of our national treasures” and expressed excitement about launching the centenary celebrations with this unique tribute.
Furthermore, Gavin and Stacey’s fans also look forward to the new documentary, Gavin and Stacey: A Fond Farewell, which will be airing on New Year’s Day while a book titled When Gavin Met Stacey and Everything in Between: A Story of Love and Friendship is set for release next autumn.