Ruth Jones in the title role, and wrote several episodes as well as co- writing episodes with Rob Gittins, Rob Evans, David Peet and Steve Speirs. Jones has stated that she was worried about comparisons to "Gavin and Stacey" when setting a second programme in Wales and the company originally thought to set it in Bristol, but the decision was made to set it in the Rhondda Valley 'I know people from the Valleys and it is just a joyously colourful place and full of characters.' A second series of "Stella" was filmed in summer 2012 and aired in early 2013. A
Gavin & Stacey most watched programme on that day, behind "EastEnders", "Coronation Street" and "Doctor Who". The show was nominated for and won several awards throughout its run, with two notable wins being the British Academy Television Awards (BAFTAs) Audience Award, and the British Comedy Awards Best TV Comedy Award, both in 2008. In the December 2007 British Comedy Awards, the show won Best New British TV Comedy, losing in the Best New TV Comedy category to "Peep Show". James Corden and Ruth Jones won Best Male and Female Comedy Newcomer respectively, with fellow cast members Mathew Horne and Joanna Page having also