Joan Durbeyfield

Well meaning but misguided, Joan Durbeyfield does the best she can for her children in spite of her feckless and drunken husband, John. She is a hardworking woman who is disappointed when Tess's life does not proceed as she had hoped - she after all was the one who hatched the plan for Tess to "claim kin" with the D'Urbervilles.

Bafta-award-winning actress Ruth is the co-writer and co-star of the hugely popular Gavin & Stacey, and one of the most popular British comedy actresses. Also for the BBC, she appeared as Magz in Saxondale and was Myfanwy in Little Britain. She has guest-starred in the hit series Torchwood and Mayo and was a regular in Nighty Night, Fat Friends and I'm with Stupid.

In October, Ruth will turn her talents to radio as she commences her Sunday show on BBC Radio Wales.

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