Ruth Jones, the beloved actress and co-creator of Gavin & Stacey, has always kept her personal life away from the spotlight. But recent news of her separation from husband David Peet after more than two decades of marriage has reignited interest in their private story, particularly around family life.
Were children ever part of their journey? Here is what we know.
How Ruth Jones Met Her Husband David Peet
Ruth Jones met television and radio producer David Peet in the early 1990s while working on a BBC Wales pilot. According to Jones, it was 'love at first voice,' as she heard him on the phone before they ever met in person. Their relationship began during the final stages of Peet's previous marriage, something Ruth has spoken about openly, acknowledging the overlap.
The couple married in 1999 and went on to form a successful creative partnership. They co-founded Tidy Productions, the company behind several notable television projects, including Stella, where Ruth starred and David served as executive producer. Their professional collaboration became as enduring as their personal bond.
Do Ruth Jones and David Peet Have Children?
The short answer is no, Ruth Jones and David Peet do not have biological children together. Ruth has discussed this in interviews, saying that while she never felt a strong calling to become a mother, she is content with the way her life unfolded. 'It just didn't happen,' she once said in a candid interview with the Daily Mail.
However, Ruth is a stepmother to David Peet's three children from his previous marriage: Fiona, Louise, and Alex. She has described the experience positively in the same interview, calling it 'all the joy of motherhood without the pain of childbirth.' She has also spoken warmly about their close family relationship, even during the teenage years, and expressed excitement about the possibility of becoming a step-grandmother one day.
A Quiet and Balanced Family Life
Although both Ruth and David worked in the public eye, they kept their personal life private. They lived together in Cardiff for most of their marriage, balancing work and home life while running Tidy Productions. Their shared passion for storytelling and television helped strengthen their bond, not just as partners in life, but in business too.
The couple's approach to blended family life was grounded and drama-free. Ruth has emphasised that while they were not a traditional family unit, there was mutual respect and affection throughout their household.
The End of a Long Partnership
In June 2025, Ruth and David issued a statement and told the PA news agency they had quietly separated around 18 months earlier. The news surprised many fans, given the couple's long-standing professional and personal partnership. Ruth now lives in London, while David has relocated to Canada and is reported to be in a new relationship. Despite the separation, both have stated they remain friends and continue to support each other.
The announcement has led to renewed public interest in Ruth's family life and career. Yet, both she and David have chosen to keep the finer details private, continuing the discretion they maintained throughout their marriage.
A Modern Love Story Built on Respect
While Ruth Jones and David Peet never had children together, their 26-year partnership was full of shared success, love, and quiet strength. Ruth's role as a stepmother and her reflections on non-traditional family life provide a refreshing narrative in the world of celebrity relationships. It may not have been the typical fairytale, but theirs was a story of loyalty, humour, and deep connection.
