James Corden and Ruth Jones Reunite for First TV Project Since Gavin & Stacey

James Corden and Ruth Jones, the creative forces behind the beloved British sitcom "Gavin & Stacey," have reunited for their first television project since the show concluded. The pair will star as estranged siblings in "The Choir," an eight-part comedy-drama for Apple TV+ that they have also co-written.

Filming for the new series has commenced, with Corden and Jones seen on location at a beach in Sussex. Unlike their "Gavin & Stacey" characters, the on-off lovers Smithy and Nessa, Corden and Jones will portray brother and sister Ben and Lisa. Ben is described as a misunderstood character who reluctantly returns to the English town where his sister and family reside.

Jones, who played the iconic Nessa Jenkins, has adopted a new look for the series, sporting a brunette bob with a fringe, a departure from Nessa's signature black bob wig and leather waistcoat. Corden, known for Smithy's casual attire, is seen in a navy jacket and jeans, playing the character Ben.

The duo, who also serve as executive producers on "The Choir," were observed laughing and interacting between takes with a small crew. While the project marks their first on-screen collaboration since "Gavin & Stacey" ended on Christmas Day in 2024, both actors have expressed enthusiasm for working together again.

"We have such a good laugh together and we just love being in a room and writing together," Jones told BBC News. "I hope that that's going to continue because Gavin & Stacey is now finished."

"Gavin & Stacey" fans had long hoped for a spin-off or a continuation of the series, but the creators have maintained that the story of Smithy and Nessa reaching an agreement marked a definitive end. In a documentary about the Christmas special, "Gavin & Stacey: A Fond Farewell," they confirmed that the characters' story was complete.

"Once Smithy and Nessa got together, that really is the end. Because we can never see them actually living together," Ruth Jones stated. Corden added, "Oh no, it would be awful. No, it just won't work."

The reunion for "The Choir" comes shortly after Jones celebrated her 60th birthday, with Corden and "Gavin & Stacey" co-star Rob Brydon attending a party at a Welsh village social club. Corden was seen playfully pulling pints behind the bar during the celebration.