Filming Begins on Ruth Jones and Steve Speirs' New BBC Comedy 'Better Later'

Filming has begun on the BBC comedy Better Later, co-written by and starring Ruth Jones and Steve Speirs, set in a fictional Welsh village and following two strangers who form a friendship at a knee trauma clinic.

Filming Commences on New BBC Comedy 'Better Later'

Production has started on a new BBC comedy series co-written by and starring Ruth Jones and Steve Speirs.

The six-episode series, titled Better Later, is being filmed in various locations including Bannau Brycheiniog, also known as the Brecon Beacons. The story is set in the fictional Welsh village of Brynfach.

The comedy centers on two strangers who develop an unlikely friendship after meeting at a knee trauma clinic.

Jones described the project as having been "35 years in the making," while Speirs humorously remarked that it "could be a long shoot" because Jones kept making him "giggle."

ITV Cymru Wales / BBC Cymru Wales Jones and Speirs in an old navy vintage car laughing with each other. Jones, on the right, is in the passenger seat and is laughing whilst looking at Speirs. She wears a cream jumper and has brown hair. Speirs, is on the left, and wears a light green t-shirt and is looking down while laughing. — Jones says the series has been "35 years in the making"

Background and Previous Collaborations

Jones and Speirs previously co-wrote and starred in the series Stella, which depicted life in a fictional valleys town and aired from 2012 to 2017.

Plot and Characters

Better Later follows the lives of retired teacher Clive, portrayed by Speirs, and environmental health officer Shelley Anne, played by Jones.

Clive, aged 60, is navigating life after the loss of his spouse, while 55-year-old Shelley Anne is experiencing a difficult divorce.

Creators' Reflections

Jones commented on the long development period of the show:

"In a funny way this show has been 35 years in the making, which is when I first met Steve.

It's not that we're slow writers, it's just that we've been up to other things. It's fantastic to be back in front of the camera with him again."

Speirs added:

"Our first time acting together for quite a long time, Ruth makes me laugh more than anyone and I'm a terrible giggler."

Additional Information

Jones is widely recognized for her role as Nessa in Gavin & Stacey, while Speirs was involved with The Tuckers, a series about a South Wales family that aired between 2018 and 2022.

In the previous year, both actors appeared on television again, showcasing each other’s hometowns and visiting locations that influenced their lives.

An official air date for Better Later has not yet been announced.