In a delightful reunion, Gavin and Stacey's beloved on-screen couple James Corden and Ruth Jones were spotted enjoying a leisurely lunch together near Primrose Hill in London this Wednesday. The duo, who portrayed the iconic characters Smithy and Nessa, took full advantage of the capital's recent sunny weather as they stepped out for a casual meal.
A Sunny Stroll and Deep Conversation
Ruth Jones, aged 59, and James Corden, 47, appeared deeply engrossed in conversation as they strolled through the picturesque north London area. Their characters famously ended up together in the highly anticipated 2024 Christmas Special finale, much to the delight of fans who had followed their on-off love story for years.
Addressing Strictly Come Dancing and Celebrity Traitors Rumours
Recently, Ruth broke her silence on swirling rumours about potential appearances on Celebrity Traitors and Strictly Come Dancing during an episode of The Jonathan Ross Show. Host Jonathan Ross, 65, directly asked Ruth if she would ever consider signing up for the popular BBC dance competition.
She responded emphatically, 'I've been and watched Strictly, and it is amazing what people do. But it is absolutely not for me. They would have to pay me an absolutely ridiculous amount of money - there isn't a figure.'
Furthermore, Ruth addressed speculation that she had joined the second series of Celebrity Traitors, a star-studded spin-off where Jonathan himself participated as a Traitor in the first series. The actress shared, 'There was a big rumour about me doing it as well. The thing is I had sort of been asked about doing it and I love the show and I think it's amazing, but then I thought I'll have to put on a wet suit and I'll have to go in one of them lochs, I'll get bitten by the midges. I'd rather sit in my pyjamas and watch everyone else.'
Reflecting on BAFTA Success and Fan Encounters
Elsewhere in the conversation, Ruth reflected on winning a BAFTA for her role as Nessa in Gavin and Stacey. She recounted, 'Oh gosh. Well, I didn't hear my name properly. The only reason I knew I'd won was because Rob Brydon and Jo Page were quite hysterical. They were going, 'Yes yes!' and it was a bit like the barn dance episode in Gavin and Stacey when Rob Brydon goes, 'Surprise surprise!''
She added, 'I went up and because genuinely I didn't think I was going to win, and I'm not doing that humble brag thing, I'd taken my shoes off and I was sort of settled in for the night. And then when they called my name, I had to go up bare foot which I kind of quite liked. Very freeing.'
Ruth also revealed the strangest place where she has been recognised by a fan of the show. She shared, 'The weirdest place I had it was at a funeral. We were in the line-up after the service - it was my mother-in-law's funeral. I was very sad, because I was very fond of my mother-in-law, and then this gentleman came up and went, 'What's occurring?' and I went, 'Well, just mourning my dear mother-in-law, that's what's occurring' but it's funny. I think people think it's the first time they've said it to you.'
Behind the Scenes of Gavin and Stacey
Speaking about why Gavin and Stacey's Nessa and Smithy never shared a kiss on screen, Ruth explained, 'James Corden and I couldn't bear the thought of kissing each other, so that was kind of written into the script. We're like brother and sister, so it would've been strange.'
And discussing her experience working with an intimacy coach on set, the star recalled, 'I had one of those on a show I won't name, because I don't want to embarrass them. All I had to do was sit fully clothed and the other person was fully clothed, and we were sat there and we had to have a little peck on the cheek and we had to have an intimacy coach for it. And they give you a danger word, a trigger word, a safe word!'
