Ruth Alexandra Elisabeth Jones was born on 22 September 1966 in Bridgend, Glamorgan, and grew up in the nearby coastal town of Porthcawl, attending Porthcawl Comprehensive School. She went on to study Drama and Theatre Studies at the University of Warwick, before training at the Royal Welsh College of Music and Drama in Cardiff.
Jones built an early career playing memorable supporting roles, including Kelly in the ITV drama Fat Friends and barmaid Myfanwy in the BBC sketch show Little Britain. Her career reached a new level in 2007 when, with James Corden, she co-wrote and co-starred in the BBC sitcom Gavin & Stacey, playing the outspoken Nessa Jenkins. The series, largely set in Wales, became one of the best-loved British comedies of its era, returning for a much-anticipated Christmas special in 2019 and a further finale in 2024. Jones won the BAFTA Award for Best Female Comedy Performance in 2025 for her role in the show.
Beyond Gavin & Stacey, Jones has written and starred in other television projects, including the drama Stella, which she created and set in the South Wales valleys. She lives in Cardiff with her husband, television producer David Peet.
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Welsh actress and writer, co-creator and star of Gavin & Stacey, in which she plays Nessa Jenkins; BAFTA winner in 2025.
Ruth Jones
Actress, Writer from Porthcawl
Born in Bridgend and raised in Porthcawl, South Wales
Jones also wrote and starred in the BBC drama series Stella (2012-2017), set in a fictional South Wales valleys town, further cementing her reputation as one of Wales' most prolific screenwriting talents.
Career Highlights
Co-wrote and starred in Gavin & Stacey (2007-2024) alongside James Corden.
Won the BAFTA Award for Best Female Comedy Performance in 2025.
Created and starred in the BBC drama Stella, set in the South Wales valleys.
ℹ️ Born 22 September 1966, Bridgend, Wales; raised in Porthcawl.
Born in Bridgend and raised in Porthcawl, South Wales