When Ruth Jones walked into James Corden’s raucous 40th birthday bash in Mexico, she probably didn’t expect to become the star of the night — or to outshine a global pop icon like Harry Styles. But according to both Ruth and James, that’s exactly what happened. What started as a private celebration among friends turned into a night that would go down in celebrity party history — the night Ruth Jones sang like her life depended on it, and Harry Styles himself was left asking, “How did you do that?”

A Night to Remember in Mexico

The year was 2018. James Corden, then one of Britain’s biggest TV exports thanks to The Late Late Show, was celebrating his 40th birthday. His wife Julia Carey had secretly organized the entire trip — a surprise getaway to Mexico with friends, family, and a few very familiar faces. Among them: Harry Styles, Ruth Jones, and a mariachi band ready to soundtrack what would become one of the most unforgettable weekends in Corden’s life.

James recently looked back on the moment while sitting down with Ruth at a book event in London for their upcoming release When Gavin Met Stacey And Everything In Between. And while they reminisced about old times on the hit BBC sitcom Gavin and Stacey, what truly lit up the room was the story of that birthday night — a story that reminded everyone that Ruth Jones isn’t just a comic genius, but a powerhouse performer who can own any stage.

The Moment Ruth Stole the Spotlight

As James told it, the night had been full of laughter, tequila, and heartfelt surprises. But when the live band struck up and Ruth decided to join them, the energy in the room shifted. She reportedly asked the musicians a simple question — “Do you know Wild Thing?” — and what followed was nothing short of magic.

Wearing a short party dress and radiating pure confidence, Ruth grabbed the microphone and delivered a raw, electrifying rendition of “Wild Thing” that instantly silenced the crowd. Even Harry Styles, who has performed on the world’s biggest stages, was stunned. According to James, “She sang it like her life depended on it. It was so good, she left the stage and Harry Styles said to her, ‘How did you do that?’”

When someone like Harry Styles — one of the biggest recording artists alive — reacts in awe, you know it’s not just flattery. The moment went viral in private circles, becoming the kind of story that friends would tell for years: Ruth Jones upstaged Harry Styles at his own game.

From Comedy to Music — The Many Talents of Ruth Jones

Ruth, best known for her iconic role as Nessa Jenkins in Gavin and Stacey, has long been celebrated for her comedic timing and writing chops. But that night revealed another side of her — the singer, the showwoman, the fearless performer who doesn’t need a script to captivate a crowd.

And it wasn’t just a one-time thing. James confessed he had always regretted missing Ruth’s wedding, where she also performed “Wild Thing.” For her, the song seems to be a statement — a mix of bold humor and unapologetic self-expression. At 59, she proved once again that star power isn’t about youth or fame — it’s about presence.

The Reunion That Fans Have Been Waiting For

If that weren’t enough to thrill longtime fans, there’s even bigger news. Ruth Jones and James Corden have reportedly signed a seven-figure deal to create a brand-new project together — one that will mark their first major collaboration since Gavin and Stacey.

But here’s the twist: the new show won’t be returning to the BBC. Instead, it’s being developed for Apple TV+, which reportedly won a massive bidding war for the rights. According to insiders, filming is set to begin next year, and the show will premiere in 2027 with ten episodes and an all-British cast.

A Fresh Start — But Without “Gavin and Stacey”

While fans were hoping for a continuation of Gavin and Stacey, the new project will take a different direction. There will be no Pam and Mick, no Gwen or Uncle Bryn — and no Smithy or Nessa. Instead, the new series will reportedly explore fresh characters and new dynamics, keeping the trademark warmth, humor, and heart that made Gavin and Stacey a British classic.

A source close to the production told The Sun: “In what has unquestionably been a pretty miserable year for Brits, there is finally something to cheer — a new James and Ruth co-production. It’s uplifting, gentle, and very funny. They wanted to bring something full of heart and warmth back to screens — water cooler moments for all the family.”

The Legacy of “Gavin and Stacey”

Few sitcoms have had the cultural impact of Gavin and Stacey. Premiering in 2007, the show became a phenomenon — a heartfelt, hilarious look at love, friendship, and family life in Britain. After ending in 2010, it returned for a Christmas special in 2019, leaving fans on a cliffhanger when Nessa proposed to Smithy.

That cliffhanger was finally resolved on Christmas Day last year, when the show’s finale saw the beloved on-off couple finally tie the knot. It was a perfect ending to a 16-year journey that had millions of viewers in tears.

James later explained why it had to end: “Probably from the first Christmas special we did, when Dave proposed and Smithy said, ‘Don’t marry him’ — from that minute on, it felt like they had to end together. And that’s what he says in the last scene: ‘I know it’s messy and not perfect, but that’s because we’re messy and not perfect.’”

It was, in many ways, the perfect goodbye — though fans are clearly not ready to let go.

James and Ruth: The Creative Power Duo Returns

Corden and Jones’ partnership has always been something special. Beyond their comedic chemistry, they share a creative synergy that’s rare in television. While James went on to dominate U.S. late-night TV, Ruth continued to write, act, and produce in the U.K. — often preferring to stay out of the Hollywood spotlight.

Their reunion, both on stage and in the upcoming series, has sparked excitement across the entertainment world. And if their past work is anything to go by, the project will be one of the most anticipated releases of 2027.

What’s Next for Ruth Jones?

Beyond the upcoming Apple TV+ series, Ruth’s recent public appearances have reignited curiosity about her career — and her personal life. At the When Gavin Met Stacey And Everything In Between book event, she looked radiant, confident, and full of humor. It’s clear she’s entering a new era — one where she’s not just Nessa, not just a writer, but an all-around entertainer whose voice (literally) can bring the house down.

As for that fateful moment in Mexico, fans can’t stop talking about it. The idea that Ruth Jones — the woman behind one of Britain’s most beloved sitcom characters — could impress Harry Styles with nothing more than a microphone and a little courage has become one of the most unexpectedly charming celebrity stories in years.

Final Thoughts: When Ruth Jones Stole the Mic — and the Spotlight

In a world full of polished pop performances and auto-tuned perfection, Ruth Jones’s spontaneous rendition of “Wild Thing” stands out as a moment of pure, unfiltered joy. It wasn’t planned. It wasn’t rehearsed. It was real — and that’s what made it unforgettable.

Even Harry Styles, the man who’s seen and done it all on stage, recognized the authenticity in that performance. Maybe that’s why it resonated so deeply — because sometimes, the most impressive moments aren’t on a world tour stage or a red carpet. Sometimes, they happen at a friend’s birthday party, halfway across the world, when you least expect it.

One thing’s for sure: Ruth Jones is far more than Nessa. She’s a force — one who can make you laugh, cry, and apparently, make even Harry Styles stop in his tracks.