Ruth Jones, best known for playing Nessa in Gavin and Stacey, has unveiled a striking new look as she wrapped filming for her upcoming BBC comedy series, Better Later. The 59-year-old actress sported a grey bob, a stark contrast to her character Nessa's iconic jet-black hair, while celebrating the completion of the six-part series alongside co-star Steve Speirs.
Instagram Announcement Marks End of Filming
Jones took to Instagram to share a video and photo of herself and Speirs, both appearing in character with their new looks. In the clip, Jones says, "Well, I have just wrapped, and so have you, on the first series of Better Later." Speirs replies, "I have now – technically got a few more things to do, a few lines off, but there we are." Jones adds, "Aww, it's been lush, hasn't it?" Speirs jokes, "It's also aged us. I mean, I'm now bald and you're grey. And considering we're 31 and 32." Jones captioned the post: "Our final slate and our final day. It's been gorgeous. Life is Better Later."
Plot and Setting of Better Later
The comedy follows Clive (Speirs), a retired teacher, and Shelley Anne (Jones), an environmental health officer. Clive is widowed, while Shelley Anne is navigating an acrimonious divorce. The pair form an unlikely friendship after meeting at a knee trauma clinic, and the series explores how they embrace new beginnings and life after 50. The show was filmed in and around south Wales.
Other Gavin and Stacey Stars in the Spotlight
Outside of Jones's new project, reports have emerged about other former Gavin and Stacey cast members. Joanna Page, who played Stacey, is reportedly in talks to appear on this year's I'm A Celebrity... Get Me Out of Here! A source told The Sun: "She's a huge BBC star and it would be a coup if ITV can get her to sign her contract and put her front and centre on their biggest entertainment show. She has confided in friends that she's really keen to take part and wants to go on and make her children proud."
Meanwhile, Melanie Walters, who portrayed Stacey's mother Gwen, has reportedly signed up for this year's Strictly Come Dancing. According to a source quoted in The Sun on Sunday, "Melanie is loved across the country for her role as Gwen. The Gavin & Stacey Christmas special in 2024 saw millions of fans tuning in for the final episode of the series. BBC bosses are very excited to have landed Melanie given her popularity."
