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
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.
Featured Images — Screenshots (via Netflix/Instagram)/Anthony Trivet (via Wikimedia Commons)
TV & Showbiz
Stockport Paralympian Dame Sarah Storey is going on Strictly Come Dancing 2026
Danny Jones
Record-breaking local athlete and Paralympian, Dame Sarah Storey, is set to become the latest to join the Strictly Come Dancing annals.
With the Strictly cast for 2026 steadily being unveiled, we always keep an eye out for the Greater Manchester names in particular.
That being said, we’re buzzing to see the hugely successful Stockport swimmer turned cyclist will be swapping her Team GB kit for sparkly, sequined ballroom gowns and an entirely different type of sport and fitness.
Announced on Friday, 17 July, Storey is the seventh celebrity to be confirmed for the 24th series of the hit BBC show and dancing competition.
Having represented her country not only at nine Paralympics but across two different disciplines after switching to the racing bike back in 2005, she’s our most decorated competitor in the entire history of the Games with 30 medals to her name – 19 of which are gold.
Absolute GOAT levels.
But now the Cheadle Hulme-born is once again set to show her versatility to see how she fares on the dance floor later this year.
Commenting ahead of the new-look season which starts this September, the 48-year-old said: “Embarking on a new challenge so soon after stepping down as an athlete is hugely exciting.
“I have always loved watching Strictly, and my daughter Louisa is a very talented dancer, so to be able to learn from the best and hopefully understand even more about her world is incredibly motivating! I can’t wait to get started!”
This latest sea-change comes not long after the local legend and sporting icon officially announced her retirement from professional sport more than three decades on from first bursting onto the scene.
Thank you for taking the time to leave all the incredible messages. It’s so wonderful to read them and thank you for being the greatest supporters 🥰
— Dame Sarah Storey (@DameSarahStorey) July 9, 2026
What a career she’s had; it obviously didn’t take her long to get tired of sitting still for once, either.
She will be joined by the likes of Lacey Turner, Dani Dyer, Delta Goodrem, Chris Appleton, Cach Mercer and Will Best.
In case you missed it, the upcoming edition of Strictly Come Dancing will be the first since Tess Daly and Claudia Winkleman stepped down, with Emma Willis, Josh Widdicombe and pro dancer Johannes Radebe stepping in as replacements.
In other starring Stockport news, we’ve finally got more info on the final season of a popular programme filmed in the area. Find out more down below.
Danny Jones -
14th February 2024 
