Smithy and Nessa reunite! Gavin and Stacey’s on-screen lovers James Corden and Ruth Jones take pleasure in lunch collectively close to Primrose Hill

Gavin and Stacey’s on-screen lovers James Corden and Ruth Jones enjoyed lunch together near Primrose Hill on Wednesday.

The duo, who played the beloved characters Smithy and Nessa on the show, were making the most of London’s sunny weather this week as they stepped out.

Ruth, 59, and James, 47, who co-wrote the series, seemed deep in conversation as they strolled through the north London area.

Earlier this year, the actors appeared together on stage while promoting their book, When Gavin Met Stacey and Everything in Between.

They hosted live shows under the same name, talking about their work and friendship as well as their experience on the show.

James and Ruth are also working on an new eight-part comedy-drama being made for Apple TV+, which is slated to air in 2027.

They are writing it, starring in it, and executive producing the show.

Their Gavin and Stacey characters ended up together in 2024’s finale Christmas Special leaving fans delighted after their on-off love story. 

Ruth recently broke her silence on Celebrity Traitors and Strictly Come Dancing rumours on an episode of The Jonathan Ross Show.

During the conversation, Jonathan, 65, asked Ruth about whether she’d ever sign up for Strictly Come Dancing. 

She replied: ‘I’ve been and watched Strictly, and it is amazing what people do. 

‘But it is absolutely not for me. They would have to pay me an absolutely ridiculous amount of money – there isn’t a figure.’

Furthermore, Ruth also addressed speculation that she has joined Celebrity Traitors series two.

Jonathan took part in the first series of the star-studded spin off last year – as a Traitor.

The actress shared: ‘There was a big rumour about me doing it as well. 

‘The thing is I had sort of been asked about doing it and I love the show and I think it’s amazing, but then I thought I’ll have to put on a wet suit and I’ll have to go in one of them lochs, I’ll get bitten by the midges. 

‘I’d rather sit in my pyjamas and watch everyone else.’

Elsewhere, she reflected on winning a BAFTA for her role as Nessa in Gavin and Stacey.

She said: ‘Oh gosh. Well, I didn’t hear my name properly. The only reason I knew I’d won was because Rob Brydon and Jo Page were quite hysterical. 

‘They were going, ‘Yes yes!’ and it was a bit like the barn dance episode in Gavin and Stacey when Rob Brydon goes, ‘Surprise surprise!’

‘I went up and because genuinely I didn’t think I was going to win, and I’m not doing that humble brag thing, I’d taken my shoes off and I was sort of settled in for the night. 

‘And then when they called my name, I had to go up bare foot which I kind of quite liked. Very freeing.’

She also revealed the strangest place where she has been recognised by a fan of the show.

Ruth shared: ‘The weirdest place I had it was at a funeral. 

‘We were in the line-up after the service – it was my mother-in-law’s funeral.

‘I was very sad, because I was very fond of my mother-in-law, and then this gentleman came up and went, ‘What’s occurring?’ and I went, ‘Well, just mourning my dear mother-in-law, that’s what’s occurring’ but it’s funny. 

‘I think people think it’s the first time they’ve said it to you.’

Speaking about why Gavin and Stacey’s Nessa and Smithy never kissed, Ruth also explained: ‘James Corden and I couldn’t bear the thought of kissing each other, so that was kind of written into the script. 

‘We’re like brother and sister, so it would’ve been strange.’ 

And discussing when she worked with an intimacy coach on set, the star recalled: ‘I had one of those on a show I won’t name, because I don’t want to embarrass them. 

‘All I had to do was sit fully clothed and the other person was fully clothed, and we were sat there and we had to have a little peck on the cheek and we had to have an intimacy coach for it. 

‘And they give you a danger word, a trigger word, a safe word!’