Beloved actress and writer Ruth Jones is set to delight fans by bringing her legendary Gavin and Stacey character, Nessa Jenkins, back to screens. The return comes in a new BBC Wales travel special titled 'From Porthcawl with Love'.
A Nostalgic Trip to the Welsh Coast
The one-off special sees Ruth, 59, accompanied by her friend and fellow actor Steve Spiers, 60, on a weekend excursion to her hometown of Porthcawl in Wales. The coastal town is famed for its beautiful beaches and for hosting the world's largest Elvis festival.
Filmed during Porthcawl's 200th-anniversary celebrations, the programme will follow the pair as Ruth revisits the haunts of her youth. She will introduce Steve to her family and old school friends, creating a personal and nostalgic journey. Activities are set to include training with the local lifeboat crew, testing a new beach sauna, and experiencing the famous Elvis Festival.
Nessa's Brief but Memorable Return
While the show is a travel documentary at heart, Ruth Jones has confirmed that her iconic alter-ego will make an appearance. First-look images from the special already show the actress in full Nessa Jenkins costume, promising a treat for fans of the record-breaking sitcom.
The last time audiences saw Nessa was in the 2023 Gavin and Stacey Christmas special, which captivated over 19 million viewers across the UK. This new special offers a fresh, if brief, reunion with the iconic character.
A Busy Slate for the Multifaceted Star
Ruth Jones's revival of Nessa comes amidst a period of diverse projects for the star. She is soon to appear in the new BBC period drama The Other Bennet Sister, a retelling of Pride and Prejudice through the eyes of Mary Bennet, where she stars alongside Richard E Grant as Mrs. Bennet.
Additionally, she has a role in the upcoming Netflix thriller Run Away, based on Harlan Coben's novel, sharing the screen with James Nesbitt and Minnie Driver. This marks a significant departure from her well-known comedic roles.
'From Porthcawl with Love' airs on BBC Wales on Monday at 9pm and will be broadcast on BBC One and iPlayer on Thursday at 10:40pm.
