James Corden, Ruth Jones sign multi-million deal with Apple TV+ for UK comedy series

James Corden and Ruth Jones, creators and stars of the beloved BBC sitcom Gavin & Stacey, have signed a multi-million pound deal with AppleTV+ to produce a new 10-part comedy series set in the UK, with filming scheduled to begin next year and a release anticipated in 2027. Unlike the original show, the new series will feature a fresh format and new characters rather than focusing on the iconic roles of Smithy and Nessa. The deal, reportedly worth around £8 million, followed a bidding war involving major platforms including the BBC, Netflix, and Amazon Prime, with AppleTV+ ultimately securing the project, partly due to Corden's existing relationship with the streamer from his Carpool Karaoke series. Both creators expressed enthusiasm for the collaboration, aiming to deliver uplifting, warm, and humorous content suitable for family viewing, providing a form of comfort during challenging times for British audiences. While Netflix had courted them to revisit the Gavin & Stacey finale, Corden and Jones remained loyal to the BBC for that project, but chose AppleTV+ for this new venture to reach an international audience. Casting is yet to begin, but anticipation is high among those involved, with both stars currently engaged in other creative projects.