James Corden and Ruth Jones are back with a new comedy show for Apple TV+ called The Choir – here is everything we know about the upcoming show.
Before James Corden became a huge star in the US with his late-night chat show, he co-created, along with writing partner Ruth Jones, one of the UK’s most beloved sitcoms of the 21st century – Gavin & Stacey. Now the pair have reunited for a new comedy set again in a small town that is set to run on Apple TV+ in the near future.
The pair finished Gavin and Stacey back in 2024 with a finale episode, which was the most watched TV show of the year and was a huge hit with critics and fans alike. After that, they were asked regularly if they would collaborate again. It was at the beginning of this year that they revealed plans for their new show, but details about it have been scant, until now.
But can James and Ruth repeat the massive success of Gavin & Stacey with The Choir? The stacked cast list that has recently been announced will make fans excited for certain – and they won’t have too long to wait to find out.
Here is all we know about The Choir.
What is The Choir about?
The Choir focuses on a brother and sister, Ben and Lisa, who are brought together again after several years of not seeing each other. Ben has lived abroad, while Lisa remained in the small English town they grew up in where ‘nothing ever happens’. But after events force Ben to return home, he has to get used to a life he never wanted, in a town he never like and a family he was estranged from. As part of that, he joins the local choir.
Why a choir?
The idea to use a choir as a setting comes from familial experience – James’ mum was part of one, as was Ruth’s sister, the pair revealed in an interview with the BBC in the UK.
Ruth said that amateur choirs can bring people together in a way that other groups don’t. She added that they had the idea to bring a group of characters together from different backgrounds, but all with things going on in their lives outside of the choir.
At its heart, the show is about community and the importance of it, and people who come together to enjoy singing, James added.
Will James Corden and Ruth Jones star in The Choir?
Yes, they will. As with Gavin & Stacey, the pair will also have leading roles in the show, as well as writing and executive producing it. James will play Ben and Ruth is Lisa. Given their long track record together – they first met on the set of the show Fat Friends in 2000 – and on-screen chemistry, this should help to ensure they give an authentic performance.
Who is in The Choir?
As well as James and Ruth, there is a stellar cast lined up. Guest stars announced so far include Hannah Waddingham – best known for her role in Ted Lasso – James McEvoy (Professor X in X-Men) and Oscar winner Jim Broadbent (Paddington, Hot Fuzz).
Meanwhile, there are some other well-known names in the regular cast too, including Jason Watkins (W1A, The Crown), Tom Davis (King Gary, Paddington 2) and David Harewood (Homeland, Supergirl).
When will we be able to see The Choir?
The Choir has already begun filming, and the eight-episode series is set to hit our screens on Apple TV+ at some point in 2027, although an exact date hasn’t been announced yet.
