The sun sets on Pontyberry as the second series of STELLA comes to a close in a double bill

“Ruth Jones’ deftly written comedy rarely misses a beat” – The Times

There'll be no more eavesdropping on the eventful lives of the residents of Pontyberry as Sky 1 HD's down-to-earth comedy drama finishes its second series. Described as “the best comedy on television at the moment” (Daily Mail) creator, writer and star Ruth Jones has proved her knack for sharp, authentic dialogue which has struck a chord once more with Sky 1 HD viewers.

STELLA has once again boasted a distinguished ensemble cast that includes Olivier Award® nominee Paul Kaye (Matilda the Musical), Elizabeth Berrington (Waterloo Road), Steve Speirs (A Young Doctors Notebook), Owen Teale (Line of Duty), Di Botcher (Doctors) Kenny Doughty, (The Full Monty) and Mark Lewis Jones (Troy).

The series has continued to follow the life of 40-something working mum Stella who fell for younger man Sean (Kenny Doughty) in the first series. However, Stella and Sean’s relationship was over at the start of the second series as she admitted to re-kindling her romance with Rob Morgan (Mark Lewis Jones), her first love and father of her eldest son Luke (Craig Callivan). Pontyberry’s newlyweds Suni (Rory Girvan) and Emma (Catrin Stewart) have also hit lows this series as Suni spends time with class mate Leah (Lucinda Dryzek) and temptation proves too much. Emma is faced with the heart breaking decision of forgiving Suni’s infidelity. Problems have also haunted Dai (Owen Teale) and Paula (Elizabeth Berrington) since he started working at her funeral home. As series two ends will all the therapy sessions with Peschman (Paul Kaye) pay off? Elsewhere, Luke has been the only one to be coming out of the second series with a blossoming romance as Zoe (Bethan Witcomb) moves in to get away from her nasty ex.

As well as all the make ups and break ups Alan (Steve Speirs) takes on the challenge of saving the Rugby Club from his ex-wife Melissa (Joanna Riding). He may have lost in their divorce but with the help of Aunty Brenda (Di Botcher), he too proves he will not give up on the rugby club so easily.

When we entered Pontyberry Stella was torn between Sean and Rob. As the final credits roll will she follow her heart or her head with a life changing decision?

The series is made by Tidy Productions and series produced by David Peet (A Child’s Christmases in Wales, The Great Outdoors). Episode nine and ten of STELLA will air on Sky 1 HD and on the move with Sky Go on 15^th March at 9pm. Series three will air in early 2014.

For further information please contact

Annabel Rudden - Junior Publicist, Sky 1 HD
T:
E: annabel.rudden@bskyb.com

Notes to editor

About Sky

Sky is the UK and Ireland’s leading home entertainment and communications company. Around 40% of all homes have a direct relationship with Sky through its range of TV, broadband and home telephony services.

Sky is the UK’s biggest investor in television content, investing more than £2.3 billion a year in channels such as Sky 1, Sky Atlantic, Sky Living, Sky Arts, Sky Sports, Sky Movies and Sky News.   Around two-thirds of Sky’s content spend is invested in the UK and Sky is the fastest-growing source of investment in original British programmes. More than 30 million people watch Sky content each week.

Alongside its commitment to offering customers a greater choice of high-quality content, Sky is a leading innovator. Customers enjoy total control and flexibility over their favourite TV through Sky+, watch TV on the move through Sky Go, and enjoy the best quality TV experience at home through High Definition and 3D.  

Sky distributes its content broadly over several platforms, including satellite, cable, IPTV, mobile and WiFi. NOW TV, Sky’s second consumer brand, builds on the company’s leadership in internet TV. Sky is also the UK's fastest-growing home communications company and favourite ‘triple-play’ provider of TV, broadband and home phone.

Sky believes in making a wider contribution to the communities in which it operates by taking positive action on the environment, supporting grassroots sports and increasing access to, and participation in, the arts. Sky employs 23,000 people, has annual revenues of £6.8 billion and is estimated to support a £5.4 billion contribution to UK GDP. Sky is listed on the London Stock Exchange (BSY). www.sky.com/corporate

About Sky 1 HD

Sky 1 HD is the most watched non-terrestrial channel in Sky homes, attracting more than 20m unique viewers every month and, according to the latest tracker results (October – December, 2011), was the third highest valued channel amongst all Sky subscribers behind only BBC1 and ITV1.

Sky 1 HD distinguishes itself from rival networks with original drama and comedy, talked about entertainment formats, distinctive factual programming and award-winning exclusive US drama.

About Tidy Productions

Tidy Productions is an independent production company that produces original comedy, comedy drama and entertainment programmes across TV and Radio.  Founded in 2008 by actress and writer Ruth Jones and Managing Director David Peet, the company is managed from Cardiff.  

Tidy Productions' credits include: 'Stella' starring Ruth Jones, produced by David Peet, an award winning series and Sky 1's most watched comedy to date for which Jones received a BAFTA nomination; The Great Outdoors (BBC Four); A Child's Christmases in Wales (BBC Two, BBC Wales); Ar Y Tracs I and II (S4C); What's the Story (Radio Wales); The Ruth Jones Chat Show (BBC Two).