‘Gavin & Stacey' star Ruth Jones chokes up during heartfelt tribute to James Corden

Ruth Jones got emotional as she received the Best Actress award at the British Academy Television Awards.

The actress was honored with the accolade in the category of Female Performance in a Comedy for her work in the Gavin and Stacey finale on Sunday, May 11.

During her acceptance speech, Jones gave a shoutout to her longtime friend and co-writer James Corden.

"I really wasn't expecting this, so I wanted to thank the wonderful cast," she began. "Huge thank you to the BBC, such a fantastic institution which I am so proud to have worked with so many times."

She went on to say, "The person I would like to thank most is my dear dear kind talented funny friend, James Corden, with whom I have shared this astonishing journey for the 17 years and without whom Vanessa Shanessa Jenson would not have existed."

"I love you James, I love writing with you, long may it continue," Jones added.