How James Corden's thirst for fame 'separated' him and Ruth Jones

How James Corden's Thirst for Fame 'Separated' Him and Ruth Jones

Candid accounts in a recent book reveal that James Corden's drive to enhance his fame nearly damaged his long-held friendship and creative bond with Ruth Jones, co-creator of the iconic sitcom Gavin and Stacey.

The Rise of a Cultural Phenomenon

When Gavin and Stacey debuted in May 2007, viewers were quickly captivated by its warmth and down-to-earth humor. The show eventually reached 22 episodes, along with several beloved Christmas specials. The last episode, aired in December, attracted an impressive 21 million viewers, reminiscent of the era of Morecambe and Wise.

Behind the Scenes of Fame

By the time later episodes were filmed in South Wales, the show’s success had become overwhelming. Crowds gathered around the sets, held back by security, while paparazzi eagerly chased the cast. To protect the storyline from leaks, some streets were even closed for filming.

“By the time they were shooting the later episodes in south Wales, hundreds flocked to the locations, kept back by security guards.”

A Simple but Relatable Story

The charm of the series came from its simplicity: an Essex boy, Gavin (Mathew Horne), and a Barry Island girl, Stacey (Joanna Page), fall in love after meeting through work calls in the days before social media. Over time, they marry, buy a house, and raise children — a storyline both familiar and comforting.

Colorful Supporting Characters

Adding flair were Ruth Jones’s character Nessa, a tough-talking woman with a mysterious past — including a wild night in Las Vegas with two of Gladys Knight’s Pips — and James Corden’s Smithy, Gavin’s exuberant best friend. Together, they formed one of British comedy’s most hilariously mismatched couples.

Author’s summary: The story traces how Corden’s hunger for success strained his creative partnership with Ruth Jones, casting a shadow over their shared television triumph.

Daily Mail — 2025-11-07