
Gavin and Stacey's Ruth Jones confirms TV return in BBC period drama
Gavin and Stacey's Ruth Jones confirms TV return in BBC period drama
Ruth Jones, who played Nessa in Gavin and Stacey, has confirmed her next TV role following the conclusion of the BBC sitcom last year
Ruth Jones is returning to TV screens in a new BBC series
(Image: Getty )
Following the conclusion of Gavin and Stacey last year, Ruth Jones' next television endeavour has been confirmed.
The 58 year old actress, who played Vanessa 'Nessa' Jenkins in the popular BBC sitcom, also co-wrote the show with fellow actor James Corden, culminating in a final festive special in December 2024.
Despite breaking ratings records with their final festive episode, Ruth and James, who portrayed Smithy on the show, confirmed it would be the last instalment of the hit series.
Now, Ruth is preparing for a new acting role that is a far cry from Nessa and her life on Barry Island.
She's set to star in an upcoming BBC series called The Other Bennet Sister, which is based on a well-liked Pride and Prejudice spin-off novel, reports the Express.
Ruth starred in Gavin and Stacey as Nessa
(Image: BBC )
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Ella Bruccoleri, known for her role in Call the Midwife, will play Mary Bennet, while Ruth will take on the role of her mother, Mrs Bennet, and Richard E Grant will portray Mr Bennet.
Other cast members include Indira Varma, Richard Coyle, Poppy Gilbert and Laurie Davidson, among others.
Spanning 10 episodes, The Other Bennet Sister will centre on the story of Mary Bennet. The series is adapted from Janice Hadlow's novel, which features characters originally created by Jane Austen.
The first part of the series recounts the events of Pride and Prejudice from Mary's perspective, before diverging and following Mary as she journeys to London and the Lake District.
The BBC description of the forthcoming drama states: "The Gardiners take Mary under their wing as governess to their three children - Marianne, George, and Rebecca - introducing her to an exciting new social world that includes Mr Hayward, Mr Ryder, and Ann Baxter."
Production for the eagerly anticipated series is in full swing in Wales, with its premiere slated for the coming year.
Filming for The Other Bennet Sister is underway
(Image: BBC )
BBC's head of drama, Lindsay Salt, shared her enthusiasm for The Other Bennet Sister, calling it an "irresistible treat" for viewers.
Lindsay expressed: "It's a joy to see cameras rolling on our vibrant, witty and clever new take on Jane Austen's beloved world."
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Meanwhile, Jane Tranter, the executive producer, commented on the casting: "Our actors had a lot to live up to - and I can honestly say that this is the ensemble cast of our dreams."
She added with assurance: "Each one brings something new and exciting to the world of Austen. And all of us at Bad Wolf are delighted to be making a drama that brings such joy."
Audiences will be able to catch The Other Bennet Sister on BBC One in the near future. Fans can revisit all series of Gavin and Stacey via BBC iPlayer.
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