Ruth Jones, best known as Gavin and Stacey's Nessa, delivered a touching tribute to her co-writer James Corden upon receiving a BAFTA award. She clinched the prestigious accolade at the glittering event on Sunday, May 11, for her memorable performance in the much-loved show's finale.
The final episode set new records for viewership, captivating millions on Christmas Day 2024, with even more fans catching up later. Ruth, originally from Bridgend, South Wales, writes the beloved series alongside James Corden, who also co-stars as Smithy.
In character as Nessa during her acceptance speech, she said: "I'm not gonna lie, this is immense. I weren't expecting to win this, no way."
She added: "I've won a Bafta before, of course I have, in 1976," reports Wales Online. "It was the Barry arcade fruity technician award and I was grateful for that but this, this is cracking."
Returning to her own voice, she said: "I really wasn't expecting to win this." She proceeded to thank the cast, director, crew, production team, and the BBC. And she gave a special thank you to James, saying: "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." Although Ruth secured the award for female performance in a comedy, Gavin and Stacey did not clinch the memorable moment award, which was determined by public vote. Instead, the accolade went to Dianne Buswell and Chris McCausland's waltz to You'll Never Walk Alone on Strictly Come Dancing.
