08-04-2025
Gavin & Stacey star Ruth Jones to make TV return on BBC special about Welsh town
Gavin and Stacey star Ruth Jones is set to make her TV return later this year on a BBC special about the South Wales town of Merthyr Tydfil.
The last ever episode of hit BBC sitcom Gavin & Stacey aired on Christmas Day last year and was watched by a whopping 19.1 million viewers.
The 90-minute finale - which starred all the regulars including Jones (Nessa), James Corden (Smithy), Mathew Horne (Gavin) and Joanna Page (Stacey) - was the most watched TV programme on Christmas Day in 23 years.
To coincide with the bicentenary of Cyfarthfa Castle, BBC Cymru Wales has commissioned a collection of programmes and content celebrating the history, the culture and people of Merthyr Tydfil.
Across a fortnight in June, the BBC will shine a spotlight on Merthyr's rich past, exploring how it developed as the first industrial town in the world and the legacy of this important chapter in Wales' history.
The collection will also celebrate the town as it is today, challenging stereotypes and highlighting what makes Merthyr such a special place to those who are proud to call it home.
Four new programmes have been commissioned for BBC One Wales, including a standalone special where Welsh icon Ruth Jones hits the road with actor, comedian and Merthyr local, Steve Speirs for a weekend like no other.
The 60-minutes special will be called Ruth and Steve: from Merthyr with Love.
🔊Ruth Jones and Steve Speirs reunite for a one-off special celebrating Merthyr Tydfil! Part of a brand new @BBCWales collection marking 200 years of Cyfarthfa Castle🏴 More from Merthyr➡️
— BBC Press Office (@bbcpress) April 8, 2025
Speaking about the filming the programme, Jones said: 'Merthyr Tydfil! Who knew?!
"I had the best time learning about this brilliant place and being shown around by my dear friend Steve Speirs. I'm definitely going back!'
Speirs added: 'To take someone who's very special to me to the place that's most special to me was one of the happiest filming experiences of my life.
"We laughed so much, we talked so much… and we nearly cried quite a few times.
"Our Merthyr trip was brilliantly memorable for both of us. If the joy of the weekend comes over half as much on the telly box as it was in reality… then I'll be very pleased."
An exact date as to when Ruth and Steve: from Merthyr with Love is yet to be revealed by the BBC. (Image: BBC) An exact date as to when the show will air is yet to be announced by the broadcaster.
There will be several other shows, documentaries and radio broadcasts set for release in 2025 that are all part of celebrating Merthyr Tydfil. These include:
Boom Town: How Merthyr Made the World - presented by Steffan Powell
Live From Merthyr Tydfil - hosted by Welsh comedian Kiri Pritchard-McLean
Rewind: 60 Years of Welsh Pop
Merthyr Made Me - presented by Jonny Owen
Hidden Merthyr - presented by Welsh actor Richard Harrington
When Hoover Sneezed
Band Cyfarthfa - presented by Welsh music commentator Geraint Lewis
Hawl i Holi
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Director of BBC Cymru Wales, Rhuanedd Richards, said: 'I'm so proud that this season will spark curiosity about the past and the future of Merthyr Tydfil, drawing audiences to this special town.
"This big collective BBC Wales moment is an opportunity for us to celebrate Merthyr's character, soul, community and culture, as well as the contribution this particular area has made in building modern Wales and the wider world.
"We're really excited to launch this range of content on offer this summer.'
