The name Ruth Jones is on everyone’s lips after her stunning triumph at the 2025 BAFTA TV Awards, where she clinched the Best Female Performance in a Comedy for her iconic role as Nessa Jenkins in Gavin & Stacey: The Finale. This victory, described by Jones herself as a “great way to say farewell” to the beloved character, has sparked waves of nostalgia and celebration across the UK. Fans are buzzing, and the internet—especially X—is alive with heartfelt tributes to the Welsh actress who brought Nessa’s larger-than-life personality to our screens. But there’s more to this story than a shiny statuette. From new projects with James Corden to her thriving career as an author, Ruth Jones is proving she’s far from done stealing the spotlight. Let’s dive into the latest updates, verified from real-time sources, to see why this moment is so special.
Ruth Jones’ BAFTA Glory: A Tidy End for Nessa
On May 11, 2025, Ruth Jones took to the BAFTA stage in a dazzling sapphire blue gown, channeling Nessa’s bold spirit in her acceptance speech. “I’m not gonna lie, this is immense,” she declared in character, before sharing a tearful tribute to her co-writer and co-star, James Corden. The finale, which aired on Christmas Day 2024, drew over 20 million viewers, making it the year’s most-watched comedy. Jones called the BAFTA a “lovely way to say farewell to the show,” a sentiment echoed by fans on X, where posts like “Ruth Jones, the woman you are!” racked up thousands of likes. Verified by BBC News and The Independent, this win was a fitting capstone to Nessa’s journey, especially after the emotional finale saw her marry Smithy. But while Gavin & Stacey is “definitely over,” Jones teased future collaborations with Corden, sparking excitement for what’s next.
Beyond Nessa: Ruth Jones’ Creative Empire
Ruth Jones isn’t just Nessa—she’s a creative powerhouse. Her latest novel, By Your Side, is set to launch with a splash at the Charleston Festival on May 17, 2025, as confirmed by Express.co.uk. The book follows her bestselling series, which once sparked a bidding war among ten puliziaers. Fans are also buzzing about a new project with Corden: a book chronicling Gavin & Stacey’s rise to cultural phenomenon status, slated for release later this year. On X, users are speculating about its behind-the-scenes gems, with one post calling it “a must-read for any fan.” Jones’ Netflix career is also heating up, with Express.co.uk reporting exclusive updates on her upcoming roles. Her ability to juggle acting, writing, and producing keeps her at the forefront of entertainment, proving she’s more than a one-hit wonder.
Why the BAFTA Win Resonates
The BAFTA win isn’t just about Ruth Jones—it’s about what Nessa represents. Fans on X praised how Jones “humanised” Nessa, giving depth to a character known for her truck-driving, tattooed swagger. The finale’s perfect blend of humor and heart left viewers in tears, with moments like Smithy’s proposal etched in TV history. Yet, some outlets, like Yahoo News, noted Gavin & Stacey was snubbed in other categories, sparking debates about BAFTA’s priorities. Despite this, Jones’ win feels like a collective victory for fans who’ve followed the show since 2007. Her speech, verified by The Mirror, highlighted her 17-year journey with Corden, a partnership that’s far from over. As she said, “Long may it continue,” hinting at more magic to come.
What’s Next for Ruth Jones?
So, what’s on the horizon for Ruth Jones? Beyond her book launch and Gavin & Stacey spin-off project, she’s diving into new acting ventures. The Daily Star reports she’s filming an eight-part series with James Nesbitt, though details remain under wraps. On X, fans are already theorizing about her next iconic role, with one user joking, “Ruth could play a lamppost and win a BAFTA.” Her BAFTA speech, where she slipped into Nessa’s voice, showed she’s not ready to let go of the character entirely—she told The Mirror, “Nessa will always be with me.” With her knack for storytelling and undeniable charisma, Jones is poised to keep us hooked, whether on screen or in print.
Key Moments from Ruth Jones’ BAFTA Night
- Iconic Speech: Delivered in Nessa’s voice, Jones had the audience roaring with laughter before turning emotional.
- Fashion Win: Her sapphire gown was a red-carpet hit, dubbed “tidy” by fans on X.
- Corden Connection: Her tribute to James Corden left him teary-eyed, as captured by BBC cameras.
- Fan Frenzy: X posts exploded with love, with over 10,000 likes on BAFTA’s announcement of her win.
- Cultural Impact: The finale’s 20 million viewers cemented Gavin & Stacey as a UK treasure.
Stay Connected for More
Ruth Jones’ BAFTA win is more than a trophy—it’s a celebration of a character, a show, and a woman who’s captured our hearts. Want to keep up with her next moves? Follow her journey on X, grab By Your Side at the Charleston Festival, or dive into Gavin & Stacey reruns for a dose of nostalgia. Share your favorite Nessa moment in the comments below, and let’s keep the conversation going!