Gavin and Stacey co-creator Ruth Jones teases reunion with James Corden – but still no sign of an apology for homophobic slur
Ruth Jones hinted she and James Corden could reunite for a new project. (BBC)
Ruth Jones has hinted that she and James Corden could reunite for a new project following their controversial Gavin and Stacey Christmas special.
Jones and Corden penned and starred in a new Gavin and Stacey special which aired on Christmas Day 2019, a decade after the comedy ended its original run.
While the episode was a ratings hits, drawing in more than 18 million viewers, the BBC faced complaints over the decision to have two characters, Nessa (Jones) and Bryn (Rob Brydon), sing the “cheap lousy faggot” line of The Pogues’ “Fairytale of New York”.
Both Jones and the BBC have refused to apologise for the slur – with the BBC bizarrely arguing that it “isn’t like to homosexuality” – and it appears the backlash hasn’t deterred the pair.
BBC bosses defended the decision to broadcast the uncensored version of ‘Fairytale of New York’ in Gavin and Stacey (BBC)
Jones told the Sunday Telegraph’s Stella that she’s shared a few Zoom calls with her old writing partner, hinting that a new project may come to fruition.
“We didn’t do any writing,” she admitted.
“In fact, I remember us both saying how uncreative we both felt.
“And since then we’ve not even mentioned work, just talked about the family and how we’re feeling.
It may not be Gavin and Stacey. But it’ll be something.
But, she added: “It does seem like a waste doesn’t it, not to have spent all those lockdown hours writing? But I just couldn’t get into the groove.”
“It may not be Gavin and Stacey. But it’ll be something.”
BBC says homophobic slur is ‘antiquated word for laziness’.
Almost 900 people complained to the BBC about the use of the homophobic slur in the Gavin and Stacey special.
In response, the BBC said: “The origin of the word includes a definition which describes it as a contemptuous and antiquated word for laziness, and the author of the song has cited this inference behind his inclusion of that line.
“While the word ‘faggot’ is now widely acknowledged as having the potential to offend, the song never suggests or implies that this is, or was ever, an appropriate way to address another person, nor does it link it to homosexuality.”
Jones previously defended its inclusion, saying the moment was “true to the characters”.
“Characters in Gavin and Stacey are kind and big-hearted, I believe,” she told The Sun. So I think no one is going to be intentionally hurtful. But by the same token, they’re not necessarily going to be completely politically correct or be aware of political correctness.”
