Ruth Jones has walked away with the BAFTA for female performance in comedy for her role of Nessa
Gavin & Stacey star Ruth Jones had a heartfelt message for her co-writer James Cordon after picking up a BAFTA award. She won the Bafta at the star-studded ceremony on Sunday, May 11, for her portrayal of Nessa in the Gavin & Stacey finale.
Breaking viewing records, the finale was watched by millions on Christmas Day 2024 – with even more people tuning in on catch-up. Ruth, from Bridgend, writes the series with James Corden, who plays Smithy in the hit show.
Beginning her acceptance speech as Nessa, she said: “I’m not gonna lie, this is immense.
“I weren’t expecting to win this, no way.
“I’ve won a Bafta before, of course I have, in 1976.
“It was the Barry arcade fruity technician award and I was grateful for that but this, this is cracking.”
Swapping to speaking as herself, she added: “I really wasn’t expecting to win this.” She went on to thank the cast, the director, the crew and production team and the BBC.
She gave James a special mention, becoming emotional and hinting that the pair might be working together again soon.
Ruth said: “The person I would like to thank most is my dear, dear, talented, lovely, kind, funny friend, James Corden, with whom I have shared this astonishing journey with for the past 17 years and without whom Nessa Shenessa Jenkins would simply not exist.
“I love you, James, I love writing with you, long may it continue.” For the latest TV and showbiz gossip sign up to our newsletter.
While Ruth took home the award for female performance in a comedy, Gavin & Stacey missed out on the memorable moment award which was voted for by the public.
Instead, Dianne Buswell and Chris McCausland’s waltz to You’ll Never Walk Alone on Strictly Come Dancing won.
