BBC Morning Live presenter Gethin Jones has opened up about facing his first Christmas since the heartbreaking loss of his father earlier this year — and how returning to the stage will bring much-needed joy to an emotional holiday season.
The 47-year-old Welsh star, who will play the prince in Sleeping Beauty at Cardiff’s New Theatre, said performing in the Christmas pantomime has given him “something full of joy” to hold onto. “It was amazing being back amongst family,” he shared. “We had some sad news in the family over the summer – my dad passed away – so it’s even more poignant and nicer to be back this year.”
Reflecting on his first festive season without his father, Gethin said being close to his loved ones — especially his mother and nephews — means everything. “It’s the first Christmas without him and all that stuff so being around a little bit for mum and the nephews is really lovely and actually doing something that’s full of joy,” he added.
The presenter, who previously starred in Cinderella at the same theatre last year, described the panto as a form of escapism not only for audiences but for himself. “We always say that panto is that two and a half hours where people can just sit and laugh about ridiculous things, following a lovely little Christmas story, and maybe forgetting about the outside world for a couple of hours,” he said.
He’ll once again be joined by his “panto family” including fellow presenter Owain Wyn Evans and comedian Mike Doyle, calling the reunion “a really family-orientated thing.” “We’re all really active on the WhatsApp group throughout the year,” he joked. “I think Christmas is about the people you’re with, whether you’re home or away – as long as you’re surrounded by the people you love.”
Tickets for Sleeping Beauty at Cardiff’s New Theatre are now on sale, running from December 6 to January 4.
