How James Corden's Thirst for Fame 'Separated' Him and Ruth Jones
Candid conversations in a new book reveal how James Corden's pursuit of celebrity almost destroyed his relationship with Ruth Jones, co-creator of Gavin and Stacey.
The Rise of Gavin and Stacey
Like many, I was captivated by Gavin and Stacey, created by Ruth Jones and James Corden, when it premiered in May 2007. The show ran for 22 episodes, including eagerly awaited Christmas specials. The final episode in December drew 21 million viewers—numbers not seen since the peak of Morecambe and Wise.
Popularity and Filming Challenges
During the later episodes shot in south Wales, hundreds of fans gathered on set, restricted by security guards. Paparazzi troubled the cast, and to prevent spoilers, roads to filming locations were sometimes closed off.
Show Premise and Characters
The story was simple: a fresh-faced Essex boy, Gavin (Mathew Horne), and a lively Barry Island girl, Stacey (Joanna Page), connected through phone calls at work in a time before social media. They met in London and fell instantly in love. Over the series, they married, bought a house, and had children—depicting an ordinary life.
- Ruth Jones played Nessa, a tough character rumored to be a smuggler and lorry driver, once known to have spent a night in Las Vegas with two of Gladys Knight’s Pips.
- James Corden portrayed Smithy, Gavin’s enthusiastic best friend.
The Impact of Fame on Creators
“James Corden's decision to capitalise on his celebrity almost ruined his relationship with Gavin And Stacey co-creator Ruth Jones.”
This tension between Corden's fame and their partnership forms the core of the new book’s revelation, showing how success brought strain alongside acclaim.
Summary: James Corden’s growing fame strained his creative partnership with Ruth Jones, despite the enduring popularity of their show Gavin and Stacey.
Would you like the author’s summary to be more formal or conversational?