Ruth Jones' TV return confirmed after Gavin and Stacey with 'irresistible' period drama

Ruth Jones' next TV project has been confirmed following the conclusion of Gavin and Stacey last year.

The actress, 58, starred in the hit BBC sitcom as Vanessa 'Nessa' Jenkins. She also co-wrote the show with fellow actor James Corden, with the pair penning one final festive special in December 2024.

Gavin and Stacey's final festive offering broke ratings records, but Ruth and James, who played Smithy in the show, confirmed it would be the last ever instalment of the hit show.

Now, Ruth is set to take on a new acting role, which is worlds away from Nessa and her life on Barry Island.

She'll be starring in an upcoming BBC series, titled The Other Bennet Sister, which is an adaptation of a popular Pride and Prejudice spin-off novel.

Ella Bruccoleri, famed for appearing in Call the Midwife, will star as Mary Bennet, while Ruth will portray her mother, Mrs Bennet, and Richard E Grant will be playing Mr Bennet.

Also appearing in the new series are Indira Varma, Richard Coyle, Poppy Gilbert and Laurie Davidson, among others.

Set across 10 episodes, The Other Bennet Sister will focus on the story of Mary Bennet. The series is an adapation of the novel penned by Janice Hadlow, based on characters initially created by Jane Austen.

The first part of the series follows the events from Pride and Prejudice from Mary's point of view, before then veering away from this and following Mary as she travels to London and the Lake District.

The BBC synopsis of the show reads: "The Gardiners take Mary under their wing as governess to their three children - Marianne, George, and Rebecca - introducing her to an exciting new social world that includes Mr Hayward, Mr Ryder, and Ann Baxter."

Filming for the series is currently underway in Wales and is due for release next year.

Lindsay Salt, director of BBC drama, has said The Other Bennet Sister will be an "irresistible treat" for TV fans.

In a statement, she said: "It's a joy to see cameras rolling on our vibrant, witty and clever new take on Jane Austen's beloved world."

Elsewhere, executive producer Jane Tranter said: "Our actors had a lot to live up to - and I can honestly say that this is the ensemble cast of our dreams.

"Each one brings something new and exciting to the world of Austen. And all of us at Bad Wolf are delighted to be making a drama that brings such joy."

The Other Bennet Sister will come to BBC One next year. All series of Gavin and Stacey can be watched via BBC iPlayer.