Joanna Page: Age, Children, Husband, and Friendship with Ruth Jones

Few TV characters have lodged themselves in the British public’s affections quite like Stacey Shipman from Gavin & Stacey. But the woman behind the iconic role, Joanna Page, has a story that goes far beyond the sitcom — including a surprise pregnancy at 44 and a deep friendship with co-creator Ruth Jones.

Born: 23 March 1977 ·
Spouse: James Thornton (m. 2007) ·
Children: 3 ·
Notable Role: Stacey Shipman in Gavin & Stacey

Eight facts about Joanna Page, drawn from multiple sources:

Did Joanna Page have a baby at 44?

When did Joanna Page have her first child?

• In February 2013, BBC News reported that Page had given birth to her first child, a daughter.
• Her second child, a son named Kit, was born in 2016 (Good Housekeeping UK).

How many children does Joanna Page have?

According to Good Housekeeping UK, Joanna Page and her husband James Thornton have three children: Eva, Kit, and Noah. The youngest child arrived after a pregnancy that Page herself described as a surprise.

In August 2021, the actress announced that she was expecting again—at the age of 44. Hits Radio reported that the pregnancy was “a total shock” to the couple. The news made headlines because of her age and because she already had three children.

Later, on the Happy Mum Happy Baby podcast (Apple Podcasts) in 2025, Page reflected on the experience, discussing placenta praevia and the challenges of having a baby on set. The Mirror called her youngest child an “unexpected addition.”

The implication: Page’s candour about the pregnancy has helped demystify later‑life motherhood for many readers.

What is Joanna Page famous for?

What is Joanna Page’s most notable role?

Joanna Page is best known for playing Stacey Shipman in the BBC sitcom Gavin & Stacey, which aired from 2007 to 2010 and returned for a special in 2019. According to The Mirror (UK tabloid), the role made her a household name in the UK.

Which movies and TV shows has Joanna Page appeared in?

• Films: She appeared as a minor character in Love Actually (2003) and had roles in From Hell (2001) and Dolittle (2020).
• TV: Besides Gavin & Stacey, she has guest‑starred in Doctor Who, Midsomer Murders, and Agatha Christie’s Marple.
• Reality/competition: In 2022 she appeared on Taskmaster, where her mix of enthusiasm and chaos became a fan favourite (The Mirror).

“I’d never be able to do the things I’ve done without the support of my husband. He’s been a rock through all the pregnancies and the work.”

— Joanna Page, speaking on Happy Mum Happy Baby

The pattern: Page’s versatility keeps her a familiar face across multiple genres.

Are Ruth Jones and Joanna Page friends?

How did Joanna Page and Ruth Jones meet?

Ruth Jones co‑wrote and co‑starred in Gavin & Stacey as Nessa Jenkins. The two actresses met on set and developed a close friendship that has lasted more than a decade. A BBC programme listing from 2011 notes a segment titled “Ruth Jones and Joanna Page: Nessa admits she’s pregnant,” showing that even off‑screen their bond was part of the show’s promotional narrative.

In a 2025 interview with Female First (celebrity news site), Page mentioned she doubts there will be another Gavin & Stacey project after the 2019 special, but she remains close with both Ruth Jones and James Corden. The friendship is often highlighted in coverage about the show’s legacy.

The catch: While the friendship is genuine, it also fuels ongoing speculation about a comeback.

Who is Joanna Page married to?

How many children does Joanna Page have?

Joanna Page married actor James Thornton in 2007, the same year Gavin & Stacey began. BBC News identified Thornton as her husband in a 2013 article about the birth of their first child. Thornton, known for roles in Emmerdale and Holby City, has been a constant presence in her public life.

The couple have three children. Their first child, a daughter, was born in 2013. Sons followed in 2016 and 2022 (the “surprise” pregnancy at 44). Good Housekeeping UK named the children as Eva, Kit, and Noah.

What this means: The stability of her marriage contrasts with the upheaval of a surprise late‑life pregnancy, grounding her celebrity narrative.

What happened to Joanna Page?

What is Joanna Page doing now?

Joanna Page continues to work as an actress and presenter. She released a book that became a Sunday Times bestseller, and she regularly appears at events such as the Good Food Shows. According to The Mirror (UK tabloid), she has also taken on brand partnerships and public speaking engagements, balancing motherhood with a media career.

In a 2024 article, Good Housekeeping UK detailed how Page “let healthy habits slip” during her pregnancies and then worked to regain her fitness. The piece framed her transformation as relatable rather than aspirational.

“I think the key is being honest about how hard it is. You see these celebrities snapping back, but that’s not real for most of us.”

— Joanna Page, quoted in Good Housekeeping UK

The pattern: Page’s post‑Gavin & Stacey career has prioritised honesty and connection over glamour.

Joanna Page’s career and personal life have both been defined by unexpected turns—from a breakout sitcom role to a surprise pregnancy in her mid‑40s. For fans who grew up watching her as Stacey Shipman, the takeaway is that Page has built a grounded, family‑first life outside the celebrity machine. The choice for Page has been clear: lean into the chaos, share the unglamorous details, and keep moving forward.