Ruth Jones and Steve Speirs set to star in new BBC comedy

Ruth Jones and Steve Speirs set to star in new BBC comedy

Ruth Jones and Steve Speirs are joining forces once again to create a new comedy focusing on the complexities of middle-aged relationships. The duo previously collaborated on the popular series *Stella*, which explored life in a fictional Welsh valleys town and aired from 2012 to 2017. Jones is widely recognized for her role as Nessa in *Gavin & Stacey*, while Speirs found success with *The Tuckers*, a show about a South Wales family that ran from 2018 to 2022.

Their forthcoming project revolves around the unexpected bond formed between two individuals who meet at a knee trauma clinic. Clive, a 60-year-old retired teacher and widower, crosses paths with Shelley-Ann, a 55-year-old environmental officer navigating a difficult divorce. The new series, yet to be titled, has been commissioned by BBC Wales and BBC Comedy and promises a heartfelt portrayal of the ups and downs faced by people in their 50s and 60s.

Speaking about the upcoming work, Jones expressed her enthusiasm, saying, “Steve and I are old friends and working with him is always a thrill. Can’t wait.” Speirs echoed this sentiment, adding, “I’ve worked with Ruth for over 30 years and am really looking forward to doing it again.” Their recent collaborations include a documentary-style series where they toured each other’s hometowns, exploring the places that shaped their lives.

With decades of experience in front of the camera, Speirs, now 61, boasts credits in major films such as *Star Wars: The Phantom Menace* and *Pirates of the Caribbean*, alongside popular TV shows like *Mrs Brown’s Boys*, *Inside No.9*, *Death Valley*, and *Benidorm*. BBC Director of Comedy Jon Petrie praised the new script, stating, “We were genuinely weak at the knees when this script first landed in our inboxes. It’s a rare thing to read something that feels so instantly special, and we cannot wait to see it come to life.

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