Desert Island Discs Ruth Jones on her start in acting
Sep 29, 2025
Ruth Jones shares her tumultuous journey in acting, detailing her early struggles and clerical jobs. She recounts a pivotal pantomime role that helped her secure an equity card. Her breakthrough came with an audition for 'Fat Friends,' where she landed the role on the spot. Ruth reflects on her collaboration with James Corden, including the creative process behind 'Gavin and Stacey' and how real-life observations shaped their characters. Finally, she highlights the importance of perseverance in the entertainment industry.
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From Clerical Work To Equity Card
- Ruth Jones left acting for a clerical job while struggling to get roles and to pay rent.
- She returned to Wales, nearly trained as a solicitor, then took a pantomime job that earned her an Equity card.
Auditioning By Becoming The Character
- Ruth auditioned for a role younger than her and bought clothes to fit the part, keeping labels to return them later.
- Kay Mellor offered her the part on the spot, calling it one of Ruth's best auditions.
Gavin And Stacey Began In A Hotel Bar
- Ruth and James Corden developed characters by people-watching in a hotel bar and writing them up between jobs.
- Their informal sketches grew into a treatment for a show originally called It's My Day, later Gavin and Stacey.