Candid conversations revealed in a new book show James Corden's choice to capitalise on his celebrity almost damaged his relationship with Gavin & Stacey co-creator Ruth Jones.
Like many, I was captivated by Gavin & Stacey, created by Ruth Jones and James Corden, when it premiered in May 2007. The show produced 22 episodes, including highly anticipated Christmas specials. Its final episode, aired last December, attracted 21 million viewers—numbers not seen since the golden days of Morecambe and Wise.
By the time production reached the later episodes in South Wales, hundreds of fans gathered at filming locations, held back by security. Paparazzi relentlessly pursued the cast, and roads were closed during shoots to prevent spoilers.
The story centered on a fresh-faced Essex boy, Gavin (Mathew Horne), and a lively Barry Island girl, Stacey (Joanna Page), who build their relationship through phone conversations at work, set before the rise of social media. They meet in London and quickly fall in love.
Throughout the series, the couple marries, buys a home, and raises children—depicted in a very relatable, straightforward way.
Adding spice to the story were Ruth Jones’s character Nessa—rumored to be a smuggler and lorry driver with a Las Vegas story involving two of Gladys Knight’s Pips—and James Corden’s Smithy, Gavin’s lively best friend. Together, they formed a wonderfully mismatched duo.
"Candid conversations revealed in a new book show James Corden's decision to capitalise on his celebrity almost ruined his relationship with Gavin And Stacey co-creator Ruth Jones."
Author's summary: James Corden’s pursuit of fame nearly fractured his creative partnership with Ruth Jones despite the immense success of their show Gavin & Stacey, which captured millions with its simple, heartfelt story.