Gavin And Stacey's James Corden and Ruth Jones reunite for first TV project since BBC hit as they play estranged siblings in Apple TV series The Choir

Gavin And Stacey fans have been desperate for James Corden and Ruth Jones to reunite for another episode of hit BBC series. 

And though they won't be back as on-off lovers Smithy and Nessa, they will be playing estranged siblings in the new Apple TV series, The Choir, which they have co-written.

James, 48, and Ruth, 60, kicked-off filming by swapping Barry Island for a beach in Sussex for their new project. 

The much-loved duo, who wrapped up Gavin And Stacey on Christmas Day in 2024, laughed and joked around as cameras started rolling for the eight-part comedy drama.

James and Ruth appeared in high spirits between takes as they chatted away on the beach before getting into character as estranged brother and sister, Ben and Lisa. 

Ruth looked worlds away from her Gavin And Stacey character Vanessa 'Nessa' Jenkins, whose signature look was complete with a black bobbed wig, a leather waistcoat and a Wales tattoo. 

Now the actress rocked a brunette bob with a block fringe as she strolled along the stony beach in a khaki dress, navy jacket and boots. 

Meanwhile James dressed smart in a navy jacket and jeans as new character Ben which is a far cry from Smithy's retro-style tracksuit tops. 

The pair, who are also executive producers on the series, worked alongside a small crew while out on location.

They were seen chatting away and laughing together before getting into character where Ruth was seen placing a caring hand on James's back. 

In the show, misunderstood Ben reluctantly returns to the English town where his sister and family live to 'a life he never wanted’ after living abroad.

Prior to the announcement of The Choir, Gavin and Stacey fans had expressed hopes for a spin-off – either focusing on the characters' early lives or what happens to Nessa and Smithy now that they are finally together.

However, in Gavin & Stacey: A Fond Farewell, a documentary about the Christmas special, the team stressed that it was very much over for the fictional residents of Barry Island.

Ruth said: 'Once Smithy and Nessa got together, that really is the end. Because we can never see them actually living together.'

James agreed, adding: 'Oh no, it would be awful. No, it just won't work.'

But while the pair won't be reviving their famous characters, Ruth has said she is delighted to be working with James again.

She told BBC News: 'We have such a good laugh together and we just love being in a room and writing together.

'I hope that that's going to continue because Gavin & Stacey is now finished.'

It comes after James and Rob Brydon partied with their Ruth at a Welsh village social club last week as the actress celebrated her 60th birthday.

Ruth hired the Royal Air Forces Association club in Porthcawl, South Wales, where her parents were members, to mark her milestone.

The Porthcawl-born star invited James and Gavin And Stacey's Uncle Bryn's Rob, 61, to the bash and the pair promptly got to work.

Looking as though he was concentrating hard, James was pictured pulling pints of Guinness behind the bar at the social club, while Rob happily posed for a picture with staff.

The low-key venue, located just 30 minutes from Barry Island, had been sworn to secrecy and club steward Sarah Prescott has revealed it was a 'great honour' to host the stars of the beloved BBC show.

'It was an incredible night for our lovely little club, the rooms were all filled with the nicest guests and celebs,' she gushed.

'It was a great honour to us all at the club that Ruth put her trust in us to host this very special event, and bring her party back home to the Rafa as her lovely mam and dad were great members here for many years,' the club steward added in a social media post.

'She had a great night with all her family and friends celebrating.'

Ruth looked stunning, and worlds apart from Nessa's style, in a glittery top as she posed for a selfie with James who was dapper in a polka dot blazer.

The long-term pals, and co-creators of Gavin & Stacey, shared the selfie with members of staff, posing in front of tables stacked with party food and tiers of cupcakes. 

Ruth joked 'I still feel 30' as she celebrated her 60th birthday.

Taking to Instagram to mark the occasion, the writer and actress smiled in a makeup free snap with her birthday cake.

She penned: 'Sixty today and still feel 30. Must be the cake that does it. My lovely sister made this one!

'Thank you for all the birthday wishes- I am a lucky old lady to have such wonderful family and friends. Big love to you all. (Do I get my bus pass now?) xx'