Ruth Jones: 'It's something very special, being Welsh'

Writer and actress Ruth Jones has said she's fiercely proud of her "very special" Welsh identity.

Raised in Porthcawl the star said growing up surrounded by the unknowingly "hilarious" people of south Wales primed her for future comedy characters.

Ruth Jones as 'Nessa', the star of hit series Gavin and Stacey. Credit: Ian Nicholson/PA Archive/PA Images

Known for her role as Nessa in the television series Gavin and Stacey, the actress said throughout her career she has loved celebrating her identity, and sharing it on screen.

Ruth Jones also appeared in the Steve Coogan series Saxondale and her current comedy series Stella which she co-wrote with husband David Peet.

Ruth Jones and Rob Brydon released a version of 'Islands in the Stream' for Comic Relief. Credit: Yui Mok/PA Archive/PA Images

Speaking on BBC Radio 4's Desert Island Discs, the 52-year-old said "I'm a hugely proud Welsh person".

When meeting stars such as Barack Obama or Tom Jones, the actress said she feels safe in her identity: "I think it's a sort of comfort blanket to go into my original strong Welsh accent."

That same accent was heard by the then-US President when the pair met at a dinner in Downing Street in 2013. Barack Obama was impressed by her pronunciation of the word "brilliant".