Ruth Jones Rules Out “Strictly Come Dancing” and “Celebrity Traitors”
Ruth Jones, the celebrated Welsh actor and co-creator of the beloved British sitcom Gavin & Stacey, has emphatically stated that no amount of money would persuade her to take part in the glitzy BBC dancing competition, Strictly Come Dancing. The 59-year-old star, best known for her unforgettable portrayal of the iconic Nessa Jenkins, expressed her firm and unwavering disinterest in the popular reality show.
Speaking candidly on The Jonathan Ross Show, Jones acknowledged the incredible talent and dedication of the show’s celebrity contestants, but remained resolute in her decision. “I’ve been and watched Strictly and it is amazing what people do,” she shared. “But it is absolutely not for me. They would have to pay me an absolutely ridiculous amount of money – there isn’t a figure.” This suggests that even a substantial financial incentive would not be enough to lure her onto the dance floor.
A Preference for the Sidelines
Jones also revealed that she had been approached for another prominent BBC reality programme, Celebrity Traitors. While she admitted to being a great admirer of the show and enjoying its dramatic twists and turns, she confessed a strong preference for experiencing it from the comfort and safety of her own home.
“There was a big rumour about me doing it as well,” she explained. “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.” Her pragmatic approach highlights a desire to avoid the perceived discomforts and challenges associated with such programmes, opting instead for a more relaxed viewing experience.
The Kiss That Never Was
The actress, who earned a BAFTA in 2025 for Best Female Performance in a Comedy for her role in Gavin & Stacey: The Finale, also provided insight into a significant on-screen dynamic that has long intrigued fans. In the highly anticipated Christmas special, her character, Nessa, was slated to marry Smithy, portrayed by James Corden. However, in a moment that left many viewers surprised, the couple famously never shared a kiss.
Jones clarified the creative reasoning behind this memorable plot point. “James Corden and I couldn’t bear the thought of kissing each other, so that was kind of written into the script,” she revealed. “We’re like brother and sister, so it would’ve been strange.” This candid explanation sheds light on the genuine off-screen rapport between the two actors, which directly influenced the on-screen narrative and their characters’ relationship.
A Familiar Friendship Dynamic
The chemistry between Ruth Jones and James Corden as Nessa and Smithy has been a cornerstone of Gavin & Stacey‘s enduring appeal. Their portrayal of a complex, often unconventional, but deeply rooted relationship resonated with audiences. The decision to omit a kiss, therefore, was not a creative oversight but a deliberate choice stemming from their personal comfort levels and the authentic dynamic they shared as friends and colleagues. This approach underscored the show’s commitment to realism, even within its comedic framework.
The revelation that their on-screen aversion to kissing was a direct reflection of their real-life sibling-like bond adds another layer of depth to the characters and their interactions. It suggests that the creators were attuned to the actors’ natural rapport and sought to integrate it into the storytelling, creating a more believable and relatable portrayal of their characters’ unique relationship.
The Jonathan Ross Show airs on Saturday at 10pm on ITV1 and ITVX.
