Gavin & Stacey co-creator Ruth Jones and her producer husband David Peet have legally separated but “remain good friends”, the couple have said in a statement.
The couple, who married in 1999, told the PA news agency: “We amicably went our separate ways 18 months ago and are now legally separated. We remain good friends. Since our separation, Ruth is living in London and David is living in Canada, where he is in a new relationship.”
Ruth rose to fame as the co-writer and star of Gavin & Stacey, playing Vanessa ‘Nessa’ Jenkins, in three series and three Christmas specials from 2007 to 2024.
The show’s finale episode, which aired on Christmas Day 2024, saw Nessa marry Neil ‘Smithy’ Smith, played by her fellow co-writer James Corden.
At this year’s TV Baftas, Ruth won the best female performance in a comedy for her role in Gavin and Stacey.
She has also appeared in ITV drama Fat Friends, BBC sketch show Little Britain, BBC sitcom Saxondale, and BBC black comedy Nighty Night. Other roles include playing Carry On star Hattie Jacques in a BBC biopic.
In 2014, Ruth was made a Member Of The Order Of The British Empire (MBE) in the New Year Honours for her services to entertainment.
The news of Ruth’s marriage split comes after it was announced that she will star in The Other Bennet Sister alongside Richard E. Grant.
The 10-part series is based on Janice Hadlow’s novel of the same name and focuses on Mary Bennet, the middle sister from Jane Austin’s Pride and Prejudice and after it was previously revealed Ella Bruccoleri will take on the central role, the rest of the cast has now been revealed.
Richard and Ruth will play Mr. and Mrs. Bennet, while their other daughters, Jane, Lizzie, Kitty and Lydia will be played by Maddie Close, Poppy Gilbert, Molly Wright, and Grace Hogg-Robinson respectively. Filming on the 10-part series has begun in Wales.
Lindsay Salt, Director of BBC Drama, says: “It’s a joy to see cameras rolling on our vibrant, witty and clever new take on Jane Austen’s beloved world. With a pitch perfect cast led by Ella, Ruth and Richard, The Other Bennet Sister will be an irresistible treat for viewers when it launches on the BBC next year.”
Executive producer Jane Tranter added: “We have been working behind the scenes on The Other Bennet Sister for many years now, and Janice’s brilliantly observed characters have lived and grown in our imaginations throughout that time as Sarah has been working on the scripts. So, 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.”