When Gavin Met Stacey and Everything in Between: A Story of Love and Friendship

by Ruth Jones, James Corden

'Gavin & Stacey’ is a TV series like no other. Now, for the first time, its creators James Corden and Ruth Jones tell the full extraordinary story of how they turned their little show into a full-on cultural phenomenon.

As they recount the rejection, obstacles and challenges they faced on the way to giving birth to their beloved comedy creation, James and Ruth also explore the flourishing of their own real-life friendship. While their now legendary on-screen characters Nessa and Smithy had a profound awkwardness to negotiate, culminating in that marriage proposal in the 2019 Christmas special, Ruth and James forged a magical relationship of mutual support based also on a deep, shared sense of subversive fun.

Here, from their tentative initial pitch to the emotionally overwhelming final day of filming, the duo detail what’s occurred every step of the way, bouncing off each other in inimitable style. Full of revelations and never-before-heard stories, this is a one-of-a-kind book about a show that’s already gone down in history.

Genres: Nonfiction, Audiobook, Memoir, Humor, Biography, Autobiography

336 pages, Hardcover

First published October 9, 2025

About the author

Jones is a Welsh television actress and writer known for her work on shows such as Gavin & Stacey and Stella.

Note: There are multiple writers with this name.

Reviews

[Lauren Elkins · Rating 5 out of 5]

When all said and done, cracking it was. Absolutely lush.

[Em ✨ · Rating 5 out of 5]

Made me immediately want to binge the show for the 1 millionth time! 🥹❤️

[The_5ft_reader · Rating 5 out of 5]

such a fun, heartwarming read... its just like 2 besties having a chat and its lush!

[Amy · Rating 5 out of 5]

I think this is my favourite audiobook I’ve ever listened to! It’s funny, interesting, heartwarming, and although it’s ‘behind the scenes’ stories on the creation and making of Gavin and Stacey, it’s really a love letter between James and Ruth and their friendship. Their love for each is paramount, and I know (especially here in the UK) James Corden gets a lot of stick, but he comes across really well in this, and he and Ruth have created something amazing with the show. I loved it when Ruth kept slipping into Nessa’s voice, the clips from the show of Uncle Bryn, and all the insights into how G&S came to be. I have the book too so it was great to follow along with the images, transcripts, and notes that they have also included in that. Really loved this and definitely recommend if you’re a Gavin and Stacey fan. Tidy!

[Mandy White (mandylovestoread) · Rating 5 out of 5]

I could have listened to these 2 talk forever about Gavin and Stacey.

loved this ❤️

[Jane · Rating 4 out of 5]

Aww wow this book is such a treat for any Gavin And Stacey fan! The whole book was just one big funny, emotional story between James and Ruth about the creation of there fabulous hit show and there long standing lovely friendship, you could really feel the love these two feel for each other, I can’t wait for what ever they decide to write next!

[Stephen · Rating 3 out of 5]

found this book interesting as the back story to the series having not really watched it

[Chelsea Carolyn · Rating 5 out of 5]

Made me very emosh listening to this!

[Joey · Rating 5 out of 5]

Absolutely lovely read. Completed in just two sittings alongside the audiobook. Both versions offer something unique, whether it's excerpts of scripts that didn't make the cut or Ruth and James' inability to read verbatim without going off on delightful tangents, not to mention the surprise bonus chapter featuring voice notes from members of the cast.

Gavin & Stacey was a huge part of my life and it's truly joyous to get such a comprehensive insight to its formation, to have some light shed on those messy in-between years, and to see up-close how this little show built and mended relationships. The love Ruth and James have for this project and each other is the sort of thing most writers only dream of.

It's been a privilege to invest in this world and these characters, and all this talk has got me in the mood for a rewatch, so that's what I'm going to do now. Alrigh'? Tidy.

[Beth Cooper · Rating 5 out of 5]

i laughed, i cried, i couldn’t have enjoyed this more. the audiobook was really well done. it is hard not to like james corden when you see him through ruth jones’ eyes. gavin and stacey forever

[Diana · Rating 5 out of 5]

I desperately hope they continue to make things together. I have a deep love for Gavin and Stacey and this was such a lovely look behind the scenes of their friendship. I’m probably going to just go watch it again now lol

[Kieran Cleaves · Rating 4 out of 5]

I mean one chapter made me sob so much when crying.

I think Ruth and James have forgotten that it’s Gavin and Stacey and not Smithy and Nessa as they speak about the show a lot like it’s all about them from the start

Should you read or listen to this? Both. The book has unseen scripts and photos but the audiobook has extra content

[Ashleigh Kirkwood · Rating 5 out of 5]

Loved this so much 🥺 I genuinely couldn’t put this book down and read it within one day, I now need to rewatch Gavin & Stacey for the millionth time 🩷

[Karen · Rating 4 out of 5]

I’m a huge Gavin & Stacey fan. I’ve actually lost count of how many times I’ve watched it, so reading this book was an added bonus for me.

Who knew that a story of a Welsh girl (Stacey) falling in love with an Essex boy (Gavin) would take off on tv the way that it did. Gavin & Stacey has a phenomenal following and this book covers how the idea was born until the end of the series with the 2024 Finale.

I was fortunate enough to see An Evening with Ruth Jones and James Corden last month and the evening was almost a reiteration of the book. It was almost like sitting on the couch with them both and chatting about the show. So I’m glad that I read the book afterwards. What did shine through in both the live event and the book was the love that Ruth and James have for each other. They are a fantastic writing team and I’m looking forward to hearing more about the new project that they are writing together.

[Macy Taylor · Rating 4 out of 5]

My first ever audiobook listen and loved it. Felt more like a podcast / conversation which I really enjoyed. A must read if you are a Gavin and Stacey fan!

[Ashleigh Davidson · Rating 4 out of 5]

I probably wouldn’t have picked this up myself but was recommended it, and it was lovely! Really enjoyed the backstory to the show, and I’ve started a rewatch off the back of it 😂

[Lauren Jenkins · Rating 5 out of 5]

Truth be told, that was a cracking read.
Didn’t expect to be emotional but what a beautiful story of Ruth and James friendship alongside Gavin and Stacey. I loved this and listening to the audio made me feel like I was in the room while two friends were catching up.
Well worth a read.

[Ellenor · Rating 5 out of 5]

Joyful and fun! The best audiobook I’ve listened to, it felt like two friends catching up. Cracking.

[Hannah · Rating 4 out of 5]

3.5

[George · Rating 5 out of 5]

An absolute joy 🥹

[Aliyah Spacey-Smith · Rating 5 out of 5]

I only ever give 5 stars to books that make me cry, that’s all you need to know🥹

[Chloe · Rating 5 out of 5]

truth be told, a cracking book.

Listened to the audiobook and it was just lovely

[Maria · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is perhaps the best audiobook I’ve ever listened to. Hearing James Corden and Ruth Jones tell their story adds so much to the experience. They cry and laugh, and it feels like two friends chatting over dinner, reminiscing about their friendship and all its ups and downs. The inclusion of clips from the show makes it even more special and engaging. I’ve absolutely adored this and think everyone should give it a try. No matter what your thoughts are on James Corden, this book will fill you with warmth.

[Diane Strachan · Rating 5 out of 5]

Highly recommended for fans of Gavin and Stacey. The audio book is read by James and Ruth and most of the time sounds unscripted and more like a podcast than a narration. Lots of behind the scenes snippets and interesting stories about their friendship over the years. It’s warm, funny and touching. Give it a go!!

[Tom Cullen · Rating 4 out of 5]

Really enjoyed how the audiobook was more like a podcast than a book. However, they do speak to each other like the cringy loved up couple in the back of your year 8 Spanish class.

[Francesca Thomson · Rating 5 out of 5]

Absolutely gorgeous. One of my books of the year 🩷

[Lara · Rating 3 out of 5]

I love Ruth and James as much as I love gavin and Stacey. I was excited for this book which I have enjoyed although I was a little disappointed there was nothing new . No new information that I didn’t already know

[Florence Whalley · Rating 5 out of 5]

You must listen to this as an audiobook! Wow ❤️

[Staceywh_17 · Rating 5 out of 5]

Oh my Christ...this was so lush and took me straight back to Trinity Street, Barry Island, and I'll tell you for why...

I absolutely adore Gavin and Stacey and along with many others was gutted when it finally came to an end last Christmas.

Ruth and James tell the story of how they created the characters, the storylines, including Charles and Camilla, Dave Coaches' relationships, and the infamous bog brush, all in their inimitable style, with Nessa and Smithy gradually becoming the stars of the show.

When all said and done, reading the book was crackin' and brought back all those amazing storylines, the characters, and THAT fishing trip!

Tidy.

[Jessica Osell · Rating 5 out of 5]

Tidy. I likes it a lot I do. I laughed out loud, cried and this read was like a comforting hug in a book! Would 100% recommend listening to the Audio 🎧