Stella

Dafydd Hywel: Tributes to Stella actor who dies aged 77

Originally from Garnant, near Ammanford, he had acted on stage, in film and on television, in Welsh and English productions since the 1960s.

Ruth Jones knows a thing or two about quitting while she's ahead. After the succinct greatness of Gavin & Stacey, she now ends Stella, Sky's only successful comedy origination, after a comparatively epic six series. There's plenty still to resolve in this final episode. It's Stella's graduation, but what will happen to Nadine and Jag, to Stella and Michael Jackson, or Brenda's claim to lordly parentage? There's more drama than you might think before we get to the end.

As with Gavin & Stacey, Ruth Jones is good at knowing when to walk away and leave us wanting more. And so it proves with her gentle but likable Sky comedy-drama, which takes its final bow this week. Stella is graduating, but she's not in the mood to celebrate just yet.

Preview - Stella

Ruth Jones's comedy drama returns for one final series.

Ruth Jones interview

The Stella creator on comedy, James Corden and her farewell to Pontyberry.

Compounding the fact that the comedy-drama isn't going anywhere (creator and star Ruth Jones told of "how cross" she was earlier this year over rumours it was facing the axe after five series), here's a festive special. As the season of goodwill approaches, it's a time for families coming together, with some new faces in Pontyberry (including folk singer Kate Rusby making a cameo), as well as a few familiar ones returning.

What to expect from the Stella Christmas special

It's jolly but never twee - potty-mouthed Rhian and returning guest Scott Quinnell have put paid to any of that (the latter has Christmas-comedy line of the year).

Stella is not ending yet, says Ruth Jones

Ruth Jones says more Stella is on the cards.

Much like ITV's Doc Martin, this Welsh valleys-based comedy starring Ruth Jones is a reliable source of gentle laughs, U-rated drama and the odd celeb cameo. Indeed, while Martin Clunes and pals were joined by Sigourney Weaver last year, Robert Plant rocked up in the fictional south Wales town of Pontyberry last week. Things are a little less starry tonight, as the winners of forgotten reality contest Last Choir Standing come to Aunty Brenda's aid. Elsewhere, Stella tries to contact on/off flame Rob, and Michael is forced to compromise.

Radio Times review

Should we be worried? While work demands are keeping Stella and her fella apart, her ex, Rob, is very much on the scene, and a heart-to-heart shows there's still a bit of chemistry.

Meanwhile, Aunty Brenda is disappointed by her ceremony-free investiture as Mayor of Pontyberry - "Where's the pomp and circumcision?" - and then shocked by the sudden appearance of her old flame, Clem (Clive Russell).

Amid the bubbly flimflam of the dance competition and attendant romance is the well-acted grit of a big reveal.