Gavin and Stacey's Nessa star Ruth Jones to return to role in surprise move that delights fans

ok.co.uk:

Gavin & Stacey's very own Ruth Jones will use her iconic Welsh tones as Vanessa "Nessa" Jenkins to present a special reading of the Shipping Forecast on BBC Radio 4 on New Year’s Day.

It's a centenary bash for the programme, which first aired back in October 1925, and they're pulling out all the stops with former Coronation Street star Julie Hesmondhalgh, Stephen Fry, Line Of Duty's Adrian Dunbar, and sailing legend Dame Ellen MacArthur also joining the line up.

Ruth joked: "Nessa has got quite a colourful history and one of her jobs was on the high seas.The Shipping Forecast was always very important and useful to her." On Christmas Day, Gavin & Stacey sailed to success, hooking in an average audience of 12.3 million in its final episode as loveable Smithy (James Corden) raced to Southampton Dock to stop Nessa from returning to sea.

Trevor Harrison, known for his role as Eddie Grundy in The Archers, is set to read the forecast from 21 November, 2021 – a significant date when his character and Clarrie Grundy (played by Heather Bell) reaffirmed their love with a vow renewal.