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James Corden and Ruth Jones are said to be joining forces once again in what could be the most eagerly anticipated comedy return in years. The pair, who created and starred in the hugely popular Gavin & Stacey, have reportedly signed a seven-figure deal with streaming giant Apple TV+ to bring a brand-new project to life.
The news comes hot on the heels of the much-talked-about Christmas finale of Gavin & Stacey, which aired on the BBC last year and reignited fan passion for Smithy, Nessa, and the wider Barry Island crew. Now, rather than staying with the BBC, the next instalment of their collaboration is set to find a home on Apple’s streaming platform, marking a major shift in direction for the creators.
According to sources close to production, the project will consist of 10 brand new episodes, all featuring an all-British cast. Both Corden and Jones are expected not just to write and produce the series but also to reprise their iconic on-screen roles. Filming is scheduled to begin next year, although audiences will have to wait until 2027 before the series lands on Apple TV+.
For fans who have followed Gavin & Stacey since it first aired in 2007, this new venture is another chance to see the beloved duo back in action. The original sitcom became a cultural phenomenon, winning multiple awards and capturing the hearts of millions. It turned catchphrases like “What’s occurring?” into household staples and cemented Smithy and Nessa as one of British comedy’s most unlikely yet adored pairings.
James Corden, Mathew Horne, Joanna Page & Ruth Jones, the stars of Gavin & Stacey – Credit: BBC/Fulwell73 & Tidy Productions/Tom Jackson
While details of the new storyline remain tightly under wraps, the move to Apple TV+ is already sparking conversation. Some see it as a sign of the changing television landscape, with traditional broadcasters like the BBC facing stiff competition from deep-pocketed streaming services. Others are simply thrilled to see Corden and Jones teaming up again, no matter the platform.
Ruth Jones has kept busy with acting and writing since Gavin & Stacey first ended in 2010, while James Corden’s profile has soared internationally thanks to his successful stint hosting The Late Late Show in the United States. The pair’s reunion for the 2019 Christmas special drew over 18 million viewers, proving the appetite for their work is as strong as ever.
Apple TV+, meanwhile, has been ramping up its investment in original British programming, following the global success of shows such as Ted Lasso and Slow Horses. The addition of Corden and Jones is seen as another coup for the platform as it seeks to broaden its appeal to UK audiences.
If the buzz around this project is anything to go by, the wait until 2027 will be a long one for fans eager to find out what Smithy and Nessa have been up to. One thing is for certain: with Corden and Jones at the helm, audiences can expect sharp writing, unforgettable characters, and plenty of laughs when the new series finally arrives.
