Gwen Russell is a friend of Penny Golightly. She arrived in Beckindale with David Reece following an invite from Penny to stay at the Millhouse with her. The millhouse owner Jack Sugden was not best happy that Gwen bought a friend with her. Jack let David stay but then laid down a few house rules. Amos Brearly offered Gwen a job at the The Woolpack as a barmaid. Gwen was in an on off relationship with David, and spent much time with Frank Blakey working at his forge making brooches. Gwen became friends with jack, and he was hoping for more if David was not around. During Gwen and David's stay in Beckindale, David was taken advantage of by Nicholas Phelps, so in June 1973, Gwen and David decided they would return to Wales the following day. Upon hearing this, Jack was secretly pleased David was going as they never saw eye to eye, but was saddened that Gwen was going to Wales with David. David and Gwen returned to Wales the following morning. She never returned to Beckindale.