Telly lovers all over the UK were absolutely buzzing to hear that beloved British series, Gavin and Stacey, might be coming back for a reunion at the end of the year but, as it turns out, co-writer Ruth Jones has already rushed the supposed plans.
Barely even a full day after there was talk of the cast getting back together for another Christmas special, which themselves have gone on to become a bit of a TV institution in their own right, the Welsh screenwriter and actor has now played down the potential festive comeback.
As per an interview on Irish station RTÉ Radio 1, Jones simply responded to the chatter by insisting it is “sadly a rumour”, going on to question where the story came from in the first place.
Speaking live on air, she said: “Apparently there’s a bidding war going on between the BBC and Netflix and I love it because it says ‘a source says’ — who is this source?”
❌ No return planned for Gavin and Stacey
Ruth Jones joined @olivercallan this morning to chat about her role in Sister Act in the Bord Gáis.
The 57-year-old comedian best known for playing Nessa on the iconic show went on to assure, “All I can say is, if there was something to say on that front, James [Corden] and I would happily announce it, we would.”
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Many fans might have been hoping that Corden’s recent departure as host of The Late Show over in the US might give some credence to the speculation but, unfortunately, it seems there is nothing concrete regarding a Gavin and Stacey reunion any time soon.
While she did admit, “James and I talk about [the show] a lot, it’s a huge part of our lives”, adding, “It’s lovely that people love it” and that they are still very grateful for the role it played in their careers, she didn’t want anyone to get carried away and start thinking they were writing another series.
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Some fans were already expecting to be let down by the rumblings.
Trying not to get my hopes up for this Gavin & Stacey special this year because we’ve had our dreams crushed countless times before… pic.twitter.com/MMrKmcygRa
Channel 4 needs adult virgins with ‘intimacy issues’ for next series of hit reality show
Emily Sergeant
Channel 4 is back looking for more adult virgins to take part in the potential next series of its hit reality show Virgin Island.
If you’re unfamiliar with Virgin Island, it’s unlike anything ever seen on TV before.
First hitting screens back in 2024 and having run for two successful seasons now, Virgin Island follows the journey of a group of adult virgins who are whisked off to a Mediterranean island retreat to learn life-changing skills in the art of intimacy.
Working with leading international therapists, the aim is to help the young people overcome their fears and insecurities when it comes to intimacy and sex.
Channel 4 said it chose to commission the show after a recent study into intimacy found out that one in eight British 26-year-olds is, apparently, still a virgin.
A casting call for the new series on the Channel 4 website reads: “Are you a virgin and do you need help and guidance with your fears and insecurities around intimacy and sex? Double Act Productions is casting adults for a potential second series of Virgin Island.”
You just need to be over 21 years of age to take part in the show.
Fancy it then? Or know someone who may be up for the ride? Applications for the potential next series of Virgin Island are now open, and there’s still plenty of time left to put your name down.
You can find out more and register your interest here.
Featured Image – Channel 4
TV & Showbiz
Aitch wells up in trailer for inspiring Netflix documentary about Kilimanjaro charity climb
Danny Jones
Mancunian musician Aitch has shared a brand-new trailer for his upcoming Netflix documentary charting his inspiring charity climb of Mount Kilimanjaro.
Tissues at the ready.
In case you missed it, the Manchester rapper took on the incredible challenge of summiting the highest peak in Africa last year, all on behalf of the Down’s Syndrome Association.
Sharing the first true glimpse at his moving mountain voyage, the Moston-born artist looks to reveal all in this candid chronicling of his fundraising feat.
Writing in the caption, the 26-year-old said: “Gracie, this is for you and the 40,000 other beautiful people just like you. Don’t Be Afraid!”
For anyone unaware of the context, a couple of years back, Aitch – Harrison James Armstrong, to give the Manc his full given name – announced that he would be embarking on the difficult journey that only 40-60% of trekkers ever successfully reach the top.
Beloved by upwards of 3.1 million followers across his various social media platforms, Grace has become a bit of a community icon and hero all of her own.
Here he is video calling her before his most recent challenge:
They have such a lovely bond.
The inspiration for the 2022 track ‘My G’ with Ed Sheeran on his debut album, Close to Home, the song itself also ended up serving as a significant fundraiser, going on to complete a skydive over Old Sarum airfield with his dad, Mike.
A few clips have been shared on Aitch’s YouTube channel since he first confirmed he would be taking on ‘Kili’, such as his altitude training and other glimpses behind the scenes, but until now, we’ve seen very little footage from the infamous trail itself.
Set to drop later this month, Aitch’s Kilimanjaro doc, entitled Don’t Be Afraid, is releasing on Netflix on Sunday, 26 July – which also just so happens to be ‘Manchester Day‘; we’ll be making sure we don’t miss either of them.
He’s not the only local lad taking on huge obstacles for a good cause.
Danny Jones -
14th February 2024 
