BBC has announced that filming has begun for a new comedy series described as '35 years in the making'. Better Later, a six-part comedy co-written by and starring Ruth Jones and Steve Speirs, is now in production across south Wales.
A Reunion of Long-Standing Co-Stars
Best friends and frequent collaborators Ruth Jones and Steve Speirs have reunited for their latest project, a warm-hearted Welsh comedy for the BBC. The series, which they co-wrote and star in, brings the duo back together on screen after their earlier work on the beloved Valleys sitcom Stella and the documentary series Ruth and Steve: From Merthyr with Love.
Commissioned by BBC Cymru Wales
Better Later has been commissioned by BBC Cymru Wales and BBC Comedy, produced by Tidy Productions in association with BBC Studios Comedy, with support from Creative Wales.
The Story of an Unlikely Friendship
Set in the fictional Welsh village of Brynfach, the comedy explores the surprising delights of an unlikely friendship. The narrative follows retired teacher Clive, played by Steve Speirs, a 60-year-old widower, and Shelley Anne, portrayed by Ruth Jones, a 55-year-old environmental health officer navigating an acrimonious divorce. They meet at a knee trauma clinic and develop a connection that transforms both their lives.
Filming Locations
Production is underway throughout south Wales, including locations in the Brecon Beacons.
What the Stars Say
Speaking about the new venture, Ruth Jones said: 'In a funny way this show has been 35 years in the making, which is when I first met Steve. It's not that we're slow writers, it's just that we've been up to other things. It's fantastic to be back in front of the camera with him again.'
Steve Speirs added: 'Our first time acting together for quite a long time, Ruth makes me laugh more than anyone and I'm a terrible giggler. This could be a long shoot.'
The Origin of the Series
The idea for the series emerged during a Q&A session at Hi-tide Café in Porthcawl late last year, where the duo explained how the concept developed while filming their documentary series, Ruth and Steve: From Porthcawl with Love.
Ruth shared: 'What has happened is that when we were doing the Merthyr show, we both had... we still have dodgy knees. I've got a dodgy right knee and you've got a dodgy left leg. So we were hobbling around Merthyr and we started talking. [Steve] told me about the knee trauma clinic and what [he] had to go through there, and we just sort of... we'd been saying for a while we should write something together.'
'So, we came up with this idea about a divorced woman who was going through a bitter divorce and a widower who was a really lovely gentle guy, and my character would be a very bitter angry OCD person. We just thought not that it wouldn't be a romance, but it would be an unlikely friendship, and we just talked about this and we've been writing it. We just finished writing the scene by scene now for episode six, and it's been really lovely.'
Steve added: 'It's brilliant. I suppose in some ways when people talk about [the documentary] they say, "Well is there a script?" and we say, "Well there's not a script." Then they ask, "have you had any rehearsal?" I say, "Well we've been rehearsing for thirty-four years, you know?" We've known each other that long, and so to be able to put that into a written thing now as well, because of BBC Wales and it's a network show and to have their support is terrific.'
Broadcast Details
Broadcast details for Better Later are yet to be confirmed.
