Ruth Jones & James Corden

Gavin & Stacey shouldn't really work. It is very obviously influenced by the Royle Family - the series revolves around weddings and pregnancies - and the Office - in its comedy of embarassments. The leads are ridiculously bland. There is too much of an emphasis on caricature, especially of the Welsh persuasion. But the good stuff is so good that we can forgive the flaws.

The strengths are simple. Ms. Jones and Mr. Corden. They really are a delightful pair. It works when they're partnered up and when they're on their own. When they are away from the screen, the show dies a death. They are given the best lines but sure why not? Nobody could deliver them better.

Corden's strengths were already visible in The History Boys but his earthy, shameless humour is a spectacular surprise. He really is a gifted comic actor. Jones turns her over the hill goth into the heart of the show. And comes up with some wonderful catchphrases in the meantime. 'I won't tell a lie...'

The rest of the cast have less quality material to work with but they do their best. Rob Brydon is especially memorable as Uncle Bryn.

Here's hoping the Jones/Corden partnership carries on for a while yet before both their careers hit the stratosphere.