A new BBC comedy series, 'Better Later', featuring the beloved Welsh duo Ruth Jones and Steve Speirs, has officially begun filming. The six-part series, which sees Jones and Speirs both co-writing and starring, is set to bring a fresh narrative to British screens, rooted in the landscapes of Wales, including Bannau Brycheiniog (Brecon Beacons).
The comedy unfolds in the fictional Welsh village of Brynfach and centres on an unlikely friendship forged between two strangers at a knee trauma clinic. Speirs portrays Clive, a 60-year-old retired teacher navigating life after being widowed, while Jones takes on the role of Shelley Anne, a 55-year-old environmental health officer in the midst of a challenging divorce. Their shared experience of vulnerability and new beginnings forms the core of the series.
Jones has light-heartedly described the project as '35 years in the making', referencing the duration since she first met Speirs. She explained that their busy individual careers had simply delayed this creative reunion, expressing her delight at being back in front of the camera with him. Speirs echoed this sentiment, joking about Jones's ability to make him 'giggle' during filming, suggesting a potentially 'long shoot' filled with laughter.
This collaboration marks a significant return for the pair, who previously worked together on the popular Sky series 'Stella', which ran successfully from 2012 to 2017. 'Stella' depicted life in a fictional Welsh valleys town and garnered a loyal following, showcasing their chemistry and comedic talent. Beyond their partnership, Jones is widely recognised for her iconic role as Nessa in the BAFTA-winning BBC sitcom 'Gavin & Stacey', which she also co-wrote. Speirs is known for creating 'The Tuckers', a BBC Wales comedy focusing on a South Wales family, which aired between 2018 and 2022.
While the anticipation for 'Better Later' is building, an official air date for the series on the BBC has not yet been announced. Viewers will be eager to see the return of Jones and Speirs' unique comedic dynamic, promising a blend of warmth, wit, and relatable life experiences set against a distinctly Welsh backdrop.