The one-off special is part of BBC Wales’ celebration of 200 years of Cyfarthfa Castle…
Actress Ruth Jones is hitting the road with her good friend, actor and comedian Steve Speirs for a nostalgic weekend in Steve’s hometown of Merthyr Tydfil. Once the ‘iron capital of the world’, Merthyr boasts a rich history – from pioneering the world’s first steam railway, to being home to the famous Hoover factory that produced the short lived Sinclair C5.
But this trip isn’t just about Merthyr’s history; Steve wants Ruth to experience his Merthyr – the places, moments, and memories that shaped him. Across one weekend, the pair visit some of Steve’s favourite places from his childhood, from one of Wales’ largest viaducts which he used to visit with his grandad, to the woods – described by Steve as the jewel in Merthyr’s crown – where he’d pick holly at Christmas with his dad, and the local bowls club in Troedyrhiw where Steve spent a lot of his youth.
They also tackle the tricky trails at Bike Park Wales, drive a steam train along Brecon Mountain Railway, get involved with post-match hotdogs at Merthyr RFC, and get glammed up in a local salon before heading out on a show-stopping karaoke night at Merthyr Labour Club.
After a weekend filled with laughter and reflection, will Ruth have fallen in love with the town that means so much to Steve? And will Steve feel Ruth is ready to be an honorary Merthyr girl?
Ruth and Steve: From Merthyr With Love is part of a collection of programmes and content commissioned by BBC Wales to celebrate the history, the culture, and the people of Merthyr as the town marks 200 years of Cyfarthfa Castle.
The programme is produced by ITV Wales and has been commissioned by Nick Andrews, head of commissioning for BBC Wales. The programme will air in an hour-long slot.
