Wikipedia

Ruth Jones

For other people named Ruth Jones, see Ruth Jones (disambiguation).

Ruth Alexandra Elisabeth Jones MBE (born 22 September 1966) is a Welsh actress, comedian, writer, and producer. She co-wrote and co-starred in the award-winning BBC sitcom Gavin & Stacey (2007–2010, 2019, 2024). She later co-wrote and starred in the Sky One comedy-drama Stella (2012–2017), for which she was nominated for the BAFTA Award for Best Female Comedy Performance and won the BAFTA Cymru Award for Best Screenwriter.

Ruth Jones
MBE
Jones in 2008
Born
Ruth Alexandra Elisabeth Jones

(1966-09-22) 22 September 1966 (age 58)
Bridgend, Glamorgan, Wales
Alma materRoyal Welsh College of Music & Drama
Occupations
  • Actress
  • comedian
  • writer
  • producer
Years active1991–present
Spouse
David Peet
​
(m. 1999)​
Children3

Jones has appeared in various television series, including Fat Friends (2000–2005), Little Britain (2003–2007), Nighty Night (2004–2005), Saxondale (2006–2007), and The Street (2009). Jones was appointed Member of the Order of the British Empire (MBE) in the 2014 New Year Honours for services to entertainment.

Jones is also an author, writing three novels: Never Greener (2018), Us Three (2020) and Love Untold (2022).

Early life

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Jones was born on 22 September 1966 in Bridgend, Glamorgan, Wales.[1] Her father was a solicitor for British Steel Corporation, Port Talbot, and her mother was a GP.[2] She has two older brothers and a younger sister.[3] Brought up in Porthcawl, she attended Porthcawl Comprehensive School (actor and comedian Rob Brydon was also a pupil there and the two appeared in school musicals together). She participated enthusiastically every year in musical theatre productions.[4] After graduating from University of Warwick with a degree in Theatre Studies and Dramatic Arts, she trained at the Royal Welsh College of Music & Drama in Cardiff.[5]

Career

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Stage

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In November 1989, Jones undertook her first professional role, with Dominic Cooke's company, Pan Optic, playing Countess Almaviva in Cooke's adaptation of The Marriage of Figaro, which toured the UK for six months. Thereafter, she undertook some temporary clerical work.

At that point, she considered giving up acting and training to be a solicitor. However, in 1990, the comedian and pantomime producer Stan Stennett offered her an Equity contract, shifting scenery and playing a Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtle (Michelangelo) in Dick Whittington at the Grand Pavilion, Porthcawl, where she had performed in school musicals.

In October 2018, Jones returned to the stage after a 12-year absence in the new play "The Nightingales" by William Gaminara, produced by Jenny Topper and Theatre Royal, Bath.

Television

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Her first television job was an unbroadcast sketch show for BBC Wales, which included Rob Brydon and Steve Speirs. Soon after, she joined an improvisational theatre group in Bath. That group included Julia Davis, with whom Jones later appeared in Nighty Night and Gavin & Stacey.[5]

She first worked in TV and radio comedy for BBC Wales in 1991. Theatre roles with the RSC and The National Theatre were followed by her performance in 1999 hit British film East Is East. In 1996, she appeared in the BBC television period drama Drover’s Gold, billed as a "Welsh Western" which told the story of a cattle drive from West Wales to London. Jones later commented, "I loved that job. I visited places like Lampeter and Llandeilo for the first time, as well as Abergavenny and Crickhowell. I fell in love with them all. There was something so unspoilt about them, and I’ve been back several times since."[6]

Jones appeared on television as Kelly in four series of ITV's comedy Fat Friends, where she met James Corden. Afterwards she appeared in several BBC comedies, playing Myfanwy in Little Britain, Magz in Saxondale and Linda in Nighty Night.[7]

Jones achieved prominence in 2007 as co-writer with James Corden of the BBC Three sitcom Gavin & Stacey, and as playing a lead role in it as Nessa Jenkins. The series became a hit and was moved to BBC One. Jones said: "It wasn't as deliberate as us saying, 'Right, we're going to react against cynical comedy'. We just wrote what we wanted. And it just so happens that the show does generate a lot of warmth. People seem to like that, especially when things aren't terribly jolly. It's nice to have your cockles warmed."[2]

The series won several awards, including two BAFTAs and four British Comedy Awards.[3] Jones and co-star Rob Brydon recorded "Islands in the Stream" (a song performed by their characters in the programme) as a single for Comic Relief in 2009; the song reached No. 1 in the chart.[8]

In 2008, Jones featured in two BBC One television period costume dramas, Tess of the d'Urbervilles and Little Dorrit, as well as two episodes of The Street. In December 2009, she starred in A Child's Christmas in Wales. In 2010, she starred in BBC Four comedy The Great Outdoors alongside Mark Heap, and, in December, presented the first of four chat shows on BBC2, Ruth Jones' Christmas Cracker.[3] In January 2011, she starred as Hattie Jacques in BBC Four drama Hattie, which recounts Jacques' affair with her young driver John Schofield while she was married to actor John Le Mesurier, later known for his role in Dad's Army.[7][9]

In 2008, Jones co-founded Tidy Productions with producer David Peet. The company produced the series Jones presented on BBC Radio Wales in 2008-9, Ruth Jones' Sunday Brunch.[2][10] In 2010, the company had comedy and light entertainment production credits with BBC Two and BBC Three. It has made two 90-minute comedy dramas for S4C and light-entertainment shows for BBC Wales, and topical radio series What's the Story? for Radio Wales, predecessor to The Leek.

Tidy Productions also produced 58 episodes of the comedy drama Stella for Sky TV. The first series aired in 2012. It was Jones' first major comedy project since Gavin & Stacey; she created, executive produced and storylined the show with Peet. Jones stars in the title role, and wrote several episodes as well as co-writing episodes with Rob Gittins, Rob Evans, David Peet and Steve Speirs. Jones has stated she was worried about comparisons to Gavin & Stacey when setting a second programme in Wales and the company originally thought to set it in Bristol, but the decision was made to set it in the Rhondda Valley "I know people from the Valleys and it is just a joyously colourful place and full of characters."[11] A second series of Stella was filmed in summer 2012 and aired in early 2013.[12] A further four series plus two Christmas specials completed the run, with the final episode broadcast in October 2017.

In January 2018, Jones took the part of Mandy Haveez in Radio Wales comedy series Splott, written by David Peet and made by Tidy Productions.[citation needed] In March 2018, Jones worked with director Debbie Isitt, appearing in the film Nativity 4.[citation needed]

In 2020, she participated in Iaith ar Daith ('Language Road Trip'), a show for S4C where she and several other celebrities learned Welsh, broadcast in April 2020. An extra episode, Iaith ar Daith ‘Dolig ('Language Road Trip: Christmas') was broadcast at the end of 2020, interviewing each of the celebrities about whether they were still making use of their Welsh and the opportunities they had had to use Welsh during lockdown.[13]

Writer

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In April 2018, Jones's first novel, "Never Greener", was published by Bantam Press. Based on a screenplay she’d written in 2004, it tells the story of a rekindled affair and the dangers of taking second chances. She signed a two-book deal with Transworld after a bidding war between ten publishing companies. The novel went into the Sunday Times bestseller list at number seven after just three days of sales, before reaching the number-one slot for two consecutive weeks.[citation needed] Lucy Letby had been reading the book when arrested by Cheshire Constabulary, providing possible insight into the killer's motives.[14]

Jones' second novel, Us Three, was published by Bantam Press in September 2020. It follows the story of three friends whose futures become unpredictable after an unexpected turn in events.[15][16]

Her third novel is Love Untold, which was published by Penguin Books in 2022.[17][18][19]

Personal life

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Jones married David Peet, a TV and radio producer, in 1999.[20][21] Jones is step-mother to three children from Peet's previous marriage.[22]

In 2010, Jones took part in Channel 4's Comedy Gala, a benefit show held in aid of Great Ormond Street Children's Hospital, filmed live at the O2 Arena in London on 30 March.

In January 2019, Jones was the guest for BBC Radio 4's Desert Island Discs. Her favourite music track was "Smooth" by Santana featuring Rob Thomas. Her choice of Bible was a family Welsh Bible, her own book choice was Halliwell's Film Guide and her luxury item was the back catalogue of The Archers.[4]

Recognition and awards

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Ruth Jones at the BBC Radio 2 Folk Awards 2015

Jones was judged the Best Female Comedy Newcomer at the 2007 British Comedy Awards, and was also nominated for Best Television Comedy Actress.[23] She was also recipient of the Ultimate Funny Woman award at the annual Cosmopolitan Ultimate Women of the Year Awards in November 2009.[24] In July 2013, Jones received an honorary degree from the University of Warwick.[25] In November 2022, she was conferred the honorary degree of Doctor of the University of The Open University by The Open University in Wales, at the International Convention Centre Wales in Newport.[26]

Jones was appointed Member of the Order of the British Empire (MBE) in the 2014 New Year Honours for services to entertainment.[27][28]

Jones was awarded the BAFTA Cymru Sian Phillips Special Recognition Award in 2009.[29] In 2012, Jones received a nomination for the British Academy Television Award for Best Female Comedy Performance for her performance in Stella.[30]

Filmography

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Films

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Year Title Character Production
1996 Emma Bates' Maid Miramax Films
1998 The Theory of Flight Becky Fine Line Features
1999 East Is East Peggy Film4
2002 Heartlands Mandy Miramax
2018 Nativity Rocks! Farmer Beatie Entertainment One

TV

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Year Title Character Production Notes
2015–present One in Front and others Jo Series of adverts for Tesco
Very British Problems Herself Alaska TV Productions 3 episodes
2012–2017 Stella Stella Morris Sky 1 Tidy Production. 6 series and 2 Special
2011, 2021–2024 Ruth Jones' Easter Treat Chatshow BBC Two Special
2011 Ruth Jones' Christmas Cracker Chatshow BBC Two Special
Hattie Hattie Jacques BBC Four 1 episode
Ruth Jones' Summer Holiday Chatshow BBC Two Special
2010 Ruth Jones' Christmas Cracker Chatshow BBC Two Special
The Great Outdoors Christine BBC Four 3 episodes
Marple Miss Blenkinsopp ITV The Secret of Chimneys
Igam Ogam Birdie and Narrator Calon, Telegael 52 episodes
2009 Ruth Jones' Christmas Cracker Chatshow BBC Two Special
A Child's Christmases in Wales Mum BBC Four TV film
The Street Sandra Lucas BBC One Series 3, Episodes 5 and 6
Ar Y Tracs Ingrid Crenski S4C
2008 Little Dorrit Flora Finching BBC One
Tess of the D'Urbervilles Joan Durbeyfield BBC One
Torchwood Nikki Bevan BBC Three episode "Adrift"
Chaos at the Zoo Narrator Crackit Productions
2007–2010, 2019, 2024 Gavin & Stacey Vanessa Shanessa Jenkins BBC Star and co-writer
2006–2007 Saxondale Magz BBC Two Series 1 and 2
2006 Mayo Cal Andrews BBC One
2005–2006 I'm With Stupid Jean BBC Three
2005 Born and Bred Ruby Moss BBC One Episode – The Element of Surprise
2004–2005 Nighty Night Linda BBC
2004 The Baby Juice Express Gladys
2003–2006 Little Britain Myfanwy BBC Three
2003 Midsomer Murders Rachael Rose ITV Episode – Bad Tidings
Roger Roger Angelica BBC One Episode "Freedom's Just Another Word for Nothing Left to Lose"
EastEnders Jenny Morgan BBC One Dot's Story
2002 Heartlands Mandy
2001 Tales from Pleasure Beach Mandy BBC Two
Adrian Mole: The Cappuccino Years Sharon Bott BBC
2000–2005 Fat Friends Kelly Chadwick ITV
2000 Human Remains Elaine BBC Episode "All Over My Glasses"
A Likeness in Stone Joan Poole
1998 Picking Up The Pieces Marie
As Time Goes By Gilly BBC One Episode "Pardon?"
1997 Drovers' Gold Mary

Guest appearances

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Year Title Appearance Series
2015 The Apprentice: You're Fired! Herself Series 11, Episode 10
Would I Lie to You? Panelist Series 9, Episode 8
2014 Duck Quacks Don't Echo Herself Series 1, Episode 1
2013 The Jonathan Ross Show Herself Series 4, Episode 11
2012 Hit the Road Jack Herself Series 1, Episode 1
Edinburgh International Television Festival 2012 Herself
The Matt Lucas Awards Herself Series 1, Episode 6
Just a Minute Panelist Series 1, Episode 3
Chris Moyles' Quiz Night Herself Series 5, Episode 7
2011 Alan Carr Chatty Man Herself Series 7, Episode 7
2010 The Big Fat Quiz of the Year Herself 2010
Chris Moyles' Quiz Night Herself Series 3, Episode 4
The Graham Norton Show Herself Series 7 Episode 6
Would I Lie to You? Panelist Series 4, Episode 2
A League of Their Own Panelist Series 1 Episode 2
2009 The Graham Norton Show Herself Series 5 Episode 2
Chris Moyles' Quiz Night Herself Series 1, Episode 2
Have I Got News for You Guest Presenter Series 37 Episode 7
Comic Relief Nessa ‘’(Barry) Islands in the Stream'’ video

Writing

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Screen

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Year Title Episodes Notes
2012–2017 Stella 6 series
2007–2009, 2019, 2024 Gavin & Stacey 3 series and 3 Christmas specials co-written with James Corden
2009 Ar Y Tracs TV movie
2006 The Chase 1 episode
2005 Fat Friends 1 episode Series 4 Episode 3 "Angels Delight"

Books

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[31]

Year Title Notes
2018 Never Greener A passionate love affair that highlights why second chances should not always be given, or taken[32] Published by Bantam.
2020 Us Three Three girls experience a turn of events, leaving their futures uncertain[15][33] Published by Bantam.
2022 Love Untold A story of conflict between four generations of Welsh women.[34] Published by Bantam.

Production

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Discography

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References

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  1. ^ "Ruth Jones. Biography, news, photos and videos". 8 October 2009.
  2. ^ a b c "Ruth Jones: 'Gavin & Stacey generated a lot of warmth. It's good to warm your cockles'". The Independent. London. 3 July 2009. Retrieved 21 May 2012.
  3. ^ a b c Wilson, Sophie (13 December 2010). "Ruth Jones: I have been fortunate to play parts that have not just been, 'Oh, you need a fat person'". The Telegraph. London. Retrieved 21 May 2012.
  4. ^ a b "BBC Radio 4 – Desert Island Discs, Ruth Jones, actor and writer". BBC. Retrieved 20 January 2019.
  5. ^ a b "What's occurring with Ruth Jones?". BBC South East Wales. 3 December 2009. Retrieved 21 May 2012.
  6. ^ "Ruth Jones interview". Wales. 26 November 2018.
  7. ^ a b "Ruth Jones profile". BBC Wales Arts. Retrieved 21 May 2012.
  8. ^ "Comic Relief single (Barry) Islands in the Stream tops charts". The Telegraph. London. 16 March 2009. Retrieved 21 May 2012.
  9. ^ "TV review: Hattie and the Joy of Teen Sex". TheGuardian.com. 19 January 2011.
  10. ^ "Sunday Brunch programme page". BBC Radio Wales. Retrieved 21 May 2012.
  11. ^ Cadwalladr, Carole (1 January 2012). "The Observer : Ruth Jones: queen of comedy". The Guardian. London. Retrieved 21 May 2012.
  12. ^ "Ruth Jones' comedy Stella to have second series". Wales Online. 10 February 2012. Retrieved 21 May 2012.
  13. ^ "Iaith ar Daith 'Dolig" [Language Road Trip: Christmas]. Boom Cymru. Archived from the original on 31 January 2021. Retrieved 31 January 2021.
  14. ^ Halliday, Josh; Grierson, Jamie (18 August 2023). "Lucy Letby, the 'beige' and 'average' nurse who turned into a baby killer". The Guardian. ISSN 0261-3077. Retrieved 7 June 2024.
  15. ^ a b "Us Three by Ruth Jones | Waterstones". www.waterstones.com.
  16. ^ Beckerman, Hannah (13 September 2020). "In brief: Us Three; Men Who Hate Women: Will My Cat Eat My Eyeballs? – review". The Guardian. Retrieved 11 December 2023.
  17. ^ "Ruth Jones". www.penguin.co.uk. Retrieved 7 June 2024.
  18. ^ Snell, Callum (5 June 2022). "'Gavin and Stacey' star Ruth Jones talks of latest book, Love Untold". The Leader. Retrieved 11 December 2023.
  19. ^ Halford, Ed (9 July 2022). "Abingdon bookshop hosts award winning author Ruth Jones". Oxford Mail. Retrieved 11 December 2023.
  20. ^ "TV's funniest woman: Ruth Jones on life after Gavin & Stacey". The Independent. 14 January 2011.
  21. ^ Vernon, Polly (29 December 2012). "Ruth Jones on fame, feminism and Liz Taylor" – via www.thetimes.co.uk.
  22. ^ Greenstreet, Rosanna (3 November 2018). "Ruth Jones: 'My biggest disappointment? The Guardian's review of my book'". The Guardian – via www.theguardian.com.
  23. ^ "The British Sitcom Guide – News". 7 November 2007. Retrieved 7 November 2007.
  24. ^ "Cosmo's Ultimate Women of the Year Awards 2009". 10 November 2009. Retrieved 24 December 2011.
  25. ^ "Warwick honorary degrees for stars of Gavin & Stacey & Hustle, RSC & Royal Court Artistic Directors, scientists, historians, philanthropist & a US government adviser". University of Warwick. 28 June 2013. Retrieved 31 October 2013.
  26. ^ https://twitter.com/oucymru/status/1588583184395952128
  27. ^ "No. 60728". The London Gazette (Supplement). 31 December 2013. p. 22.
  28. ^ "MBE 'proper tidy' for Ruth Jones". bbc.co.uk. 30 December 2013. Retrieved 1 January 2014.
  29. ^ "2009 Cymru Siân Phillips Award | BAFTA Awards". awards.bafta.org. Retrieved 10 October 2019.
  30. ^ "2012 Television Female Performance In A Comedy Programme | BAFTA Awards". awards.bafta.org. Retrieved 10 October 2019.
  31. ^ "Ruth Jones". www.facebook.com.
  32. ^ O'Grady, Carrie (13 April 2018). "Never Greener by Ruth Jones review – Gavin & Stacey co-creator's debut is a soggy squib". The Guardian – via www.theguardian.com.
  33. ^ "Us Three by Ruth Jones". www.fantasticfiction.com.
  34. ^ "In brief: Love Untold; The Modern Bestiary; The Red Planet – review". the Guardian. 11 September 2022. Retrieved 18 November 2022.
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