Gavin and Stacey’s Ruth Jones, along with a stellar lineup of artists and personalities, will mark 100 years of the BBC shipping forecast with special readings and programming on New Year’s Day.
The Shipping Forecast, a cornerstone of British broadcasting, celebrates its centenary this New Year’s Day with a star-studded tribute on the BBC. Leading the celebrations is Ruth Jones, who will deliver the seafarers’ bulletin in character as Nessa, her beloved role from Gavin and Stacey.
This performance marks the final outing for Nessa following the sitcom’s highly anticipated Christmas finale, which drew a staggering 12.3 million viewers to become the most-watched programme on Christmas Day in 16 years. Ruth Jones described the opportunity as a fitting farewell to her no-nonsense character, whose colourful backstory includes time spent on the high seas.
“Nessa always valued the Shipping Forecast—it’s tidy and to the point,” Jones quipped. Fans eagerly await whether her signature catchphrase will find its way into the venerable broadcast.
The Shipping Forecast, renowned for its poetic cadence and peculiar phrases, has inspired generations of artists and listeners alike. From the rhythmic “falling more slowly” to the evocative “backing south-westerly,” it has become more than a weather update—it is a cultural institution.
Alongside Jones, other notable figures contributing to the centenary include Blur’s Damon Albarn, who will reflect on the forecast’s influence on his band’s track This Is a Low. Julie Hesmondhalgh, Adrian Dunbar, and Dame Ellen MacArthur will also deliver readings. MacArthur’s forecast is particularly poignant, as it harks back to 1 June 1995, the day she embarked on her first solo maritime adventure.
Trevor Harrison, famed for his role as Eddie Grundy in The Archers, will read the bulletin from a pivotal day in his character’s storyline. Comedian Paul Sinha, poet Imtiaz Dharker, and authors Ian McMillan and Val McDermid will also participate, adding their voices to this historic occasion.
The Radio 4 controller, Mohit Bakaya, expressed his pride in celebrating the milestone: “The Shipping Forecast is one of our national treasures. It has served as both a practical tool for seafarers and a cherished ritual for millions. This centenary is a moment to honour the great continuity announcers who make it so special.”
The day’s programming includes a documentary by Paddy O’Connell titled A Beginner’s Guide and Archive on 4, presented by historian Jerry Brotton, which will delve into Britain’s maritime legacy. From Viking to Bailey and Biscay to South Utsire, the broadcast promises to connect listeners across the British Isles and beyond.
The Shipping Forecast first aired on 1 January 1924 under the name Weather Shipping, becoming a daily feature on the BBC a year later. Produced by the Met Office on behalf of the Maritime and Coastguard Agency, it has stood as a testament to the nation’s maritime spirit for 100 years.
With this centenary celebration, the BBC reaffirms the legacy of the Shipping Forecast as more than just a bulletin—it is a bridge between the past and the present, a hymn for sailors and land-dwellers alike.
