Welsh television is about to get another dose of nostalgia, laughter, and heartfelt reflection as BBC Cymru Wales has commissioned the much-anticipated sequel, Ruth and Steve: From Porthcawl with Love. The programme reunites beloved Welsh actors Ruth Jones and Steve Speirs for a second weekend adventure, this time set against the backdrop of Porthcawl, the picturesque seaside town where Jones grew up. According to Nation.Cymru, this follows the earlier success of Ruth and Steve: From Merthyr with Love, which aired earlier in 2025 as part of a series celebrating Merthyr Tydfil.
With Porthcawl marking its 200th birthday this year, the timing couldn’t be more perfect for a journey into the town’s rich history and Jones’s own roots. Located just 20 miles down the south Wales coast from the iconic Barry Island—the setting of the hit sitcom Gavin & Stacey—Porthcawl is poised to take center stage as Jones and Speirs explore its beaches, landmarks, and hidden gems. For Jones, the show is a chance to open up about her life by the sea, revisit cherished childhood haunts, and reconnect with family and old school friends.
The new programme promises a "sandy bucket load of nostalgia," as described by the BBC, and will feature never-before-seen footage from Jones’s childhood home movies. The producers have also teased a few surprises along the way, ensuring the show will be more than just a stroll down memory lane. As viewers saw in the Merthyr Tydfil special, the chemistry between Jones and Speirs is both genuine and infectious—something fans can expect to see again in this seaside sequel.
Steve Speirs, ever the joker, shared his excitement about the upcoming trip. "My great friend is going to take me on a trip around her hometown of Porthcawl. I said, 'It’s all about ice creams and donkey rides, isn’t it?' Apparently I’m very wrong, and I can’t wait to be shown the Porthcawl Ruth knows… but I’m definitely buying an ice cream!" he quipped, according to Nation.Cymru. Jones, equally enthusiastic, responded with her trademark humor: "Two of my favourite things in one place. Porthcawl and Steve Speirs… double bubble! I can’t wait to show my dear friend all the best bits of my hometown and the history of this beautiful seaside oasis, catching up with my family and school mates in the process."
Behind the scenes, the show is being produced by ITV Cymru Wales, with Nick Andrews, Head of Commissioning for BBC Cymru Wales, overseeing the project. The commissioning team also includes Sorelle Neil and Julian Carey. Jonathan Hill serves as executive producer, while Matthew Tune takes on the roles of producer and director. According to the BBC, Ruth and Steve: From Porthcawl with Love is scheduled to air towards the end of 2025, giving fans something to look forward to as the year draws to a close.
But what is it about Ruth Jones that makes this journey so compelling? Born in Bridgend and raised in Porthcawl, Jones has become one of Wales’s most celebrated performers and writers. Her career is a tapestry of achievements that have left an indelible mark on British entertainment. She co-created and starred as Nessa in the iconic BBC sitcom Gavin & Stacey, a show that not only won multiple BAFTAs but also returned for a record-breaking Christmas special in 2024. Jones’s comedic timing and relatable characters have endeared her to audiences far beyond Wales.
Her creative reach extends well past sitcoms. Jones created and led the Sky One comedy-drama Stella, set in the Welsh Valleys, and has appeared in acclaimed television dramas such as Little Dorrit and Fat Friends. Her storytelling prowess isn’t limited to the screen: as a novelist, Jones has penned bestsellers including Never Greener, Us Three, and Love Untold, all of which have reached the Sunday Times charts. Her work resonates with readers and viewers alike, blending humor and humanity in a uniquely Welsh voice.
Recognition for Jones’s contributions has been both national and local. She was awarded an MBE for services to entertainment, received a BAFTA Cymru Special Recognition Award, and was honored with the First Minister’s Special Award at the St David Awards. Earlier this year, she also received a Special Recognition honor at the Pride of Wales event in Swansea, as reported by Nation.Cymru. These accolades speak to her impact on Welsh culture and her status as a national treasure.
For Steve Speirs, this trip to Porthcawl is more than just another television gig. As he prepares to be shown the "real" Porthcawl by his longtime friend, he’s ready to swap his assumptions about donkey rides and ice creams for a deeper understanding of the town that shaped Jones. The pair’s friendship, forged over years of collaboration and shared laughter, is at the heart of the programme. Their banter, mutual respect, and willingness to let viewers in on their private jokes make for compelling television.
Viewers can expect Ruth and Steve: From Porthcawl with Love to blend the personal with the universal. While the show is rooted in Jones’s memories and experiences, it also taps into broader themes of nostalgia, belonging, and the enduring power of friendship. The inclusion of home movie footage promises to add an intimate touch, giving audiences a rare glimpse into Jones’s formative years. It’s not just about famous faces revisiting old haunts; it’s about the connections and stories that make a place feel like home.
As Porthcawl celebrates its bicentenary, the timing of the programme is particularly poignant. The town’s history, its changing landscape, and its role in the lives of generations of Welsh families will all be explored through Jones’s eyes. For those who know Porthcawl only as a holiday spot or a name on a map, the show offers an invitation to see it anew—warts, wonders, and all.
Of course, the show wouldn’t be complete without a few laughs along the way. If the Merthyr Tydfil special is anything to go by, viewers are in for an entertaining ride. Whether it’s Speirs’s determination to buy an ice cream (no matter what Jones says) or the duo’s playful ribbing, the programme promises moments of genuine warmth and humor.
With its mix of nostalgia, celebrity, and heartfelt storytelling, Ruth and Steve: From Porthcawl with Love is set to be a highlight of the BBC Cymru Wales schedule later this year. As Jones and Speirs take viewers on a tour of seaside memories and personal milestones, they remind us all of the places—and people—that shape who we are. For fans of Welsh culture, comedy, and good old-fashioned friendship, this is one journey not to be missed.
As the year draws to a close and Porthcawl marks 200 years, the programme offers a timely celebration of community, heritage, and the enduring magic of coming home.
