Gavin and Stacey special 'looking good'

Ruth says playing Nessa is an empowering experience

The Gavin and Stacey Christmas special is "looking good" says Ruth Jones, who plays Nessa in the hit sitcom.

Filiming for the show has nearly finished, but Jones admitted to Newsbeat that the team are feeling a bit of pressure.

She said: "It's a real compliment that everybody loves it so much and in a way I think we're frightened that what if we let people down.

"I suppose that's why we're not doing a third series because that's even more of a risk. Whereas with a Christmas special we're kind of playing it safe - aren't we cowards!"

The actress was keeping tight-lipped about the script but said there were some "nice little moments of seeing all our characters in the Christmas relief."

The show has won two Bafta awards

Jones also said playing the fiery Nessa had been a great experience: "I do feel quite sort of empowered playing her... when you've got the leather skirt on and the heels on you feel like 'Don't mess with me alright!'"

The comedy, about a romance between an Essex boy and a Welsh girl, picked up two Bafta awards in April and has been a hit with both audiences and critics.

Gavin and Smithy, aka Mathew Horne and James Corden, recently announced they will continue their on screen partnership in a new sketch show for BBC Three.