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14 Jan 2011 14:47:12
Social Work graduate Ruth Corden is following in the footsteps of her famous older brother by appearing on our television screens.
Ruth from High Wycombe is the younger sister of actor and comedian James Corden, of Gavin and Stacey and A League of Their Own fame.
The 28 year old is soon to appear on our television screens in a Channel Four show provocatively entitled The Joy of Teen Sex which will start airing on Wednesday night (January 19) at 10pm. Her only other previous appearance was a cameo role in Gavin and Stacey.
The fly-on-the-wall show will see young people discussing love, sex and relationships and Ruth is filling an agony aunt role in a programme she calls ‘factual entertainment’.
Filming, which began back in August, finished in November for the four one-hour episodes and she said: “It really helped that I was a qualified social worker and that was important to the show’s producers.”
Despite this breakthrough, she has no plans to forge a career in television. “I’ve got no desire for a TV career. I only want to make shows that will make a difference. I’m not interested in being famous for fame’s sake and I don’t want to be a sell out.
“Social care work drives me; being the voice for people that often don’t have one. I would like to do for social care work what Gok Wan has done for the fashion world. He makes women feel good about themselves.”
Brother James is already a household name but she said: “He’s just my big brother and it’s a normal relationship. James is generous, funny and kind hearted and I don’t see someone famous, I just see James, my brother. He wanted to be an actor from an early age and James sees himself as an actor, rather than a comedian. I have been privileged to go to some amazing events because of him.”
Ruth was joined by her parents Malcolm and Margaret in her graduation ceremony which took place in St Mary’s Church, Luton, during November.
She said: “I absolutely loved the course at Bedford - but it was really hard work. Prepare yourself for three years of things which will help you grow as a person. I learned so much about myself. My skills and knowledge have grown from doing the course.”
Before starting her degree at the Bedford campus, Ruth had worked as a social work assistant, for The Salvation Army, and also with children and young people with educational needs.
She said: “They were all preparing me for what I will do now. You need a degree - that ‘bit of paper’ - to climb the ladder in your career and help you to progress.”
Ruth is currently doing some freelance work for CAFCASS (the Children and Family Court Advisory and Support Service) which looks after the interests of children involved in family proceedings.
Latest news» 2011» January» Ruth plans to keep it in the family
