The Royle Family cast reunite to honour late co-star Caroline Aherne

04 December 2023 , 16:19

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The Royle Family cast reunite to honour late co-star Caroline Aherne in new TV project

The cast of the hit TV sitcom The Royle Family will pay tribute to writer and actress Caroline Aherne, two decades after the comedy finished airing.

The series aired from 1998 until 2000 with numerous specials from 2006 until 2012 featuring the loveable council estate dwelling Royle family, as played by Ricky Tomlinson, Ralf Little, Sue Johnston, Craig Cash, Liz Smith and Caroline Aherne. Additional cast members were played by Sheridan Smith, Jessica Hynes, Andy Whyment and Peter Martin.

Writer Caroline Aherne died of lung cancer in 2016, and was the co-creator of the series alongside on-screen husband and Googlebox narrator Craig Cash. Seven years after her death, Aherne's life will now be remembered in a touching documentary.

The Royle Family ran until 2000, with specials from 2006 until 2012 (BBC)

Caroline Aherne: Comedy Queen will document the star's life and work featuring unseen photographs and videos, as well as sharing insights into the star from those who worked with her including her co-stars on The Royle Family. Airing on BBC Two, the series is part of their Arena series and will feature interviews including Steve Coogan, Jon Thompson and Sue Johnston.

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Previously Aherne's co-stars have shared memories of working with the star as part of the comedy series. Sue Johnston, who played Aherne's mother, also let slip the actors were sent to the ‘naughty corner’ by the frustrated crew whenever the hysteria overcame them.

Actress and writer Caroline Aherne will be remembered in an upcoming BBC documentary featuring her co stars from The Royal Family

"We used to have to go and stand in the naughty corner if we cried or laughed," she explained. "Then it got so big, this naughty corner, that when we went back for the final series, the props guys had built a prison in the corner of the studio with bars and blue flashing lights."

Ricky, who played dad Jim Royle, fondly recounted what life was like on set with Caroline before her death. "There’s a million stories but you can’t tell them on the air because Caroline was one for playing pranks, but they were always a little bit rude," he said. "But she was wonderful and so, so missed."

Aherne died aged 52 at her home in Altrincham after a battle with lung cancer. The star had previously fought cancer before the disease returned. At the time the comedy star told friends and family of her devastating diagnosis but asked them to keep the news private as she told pals: "I don't want a fuss."

Niamh Spence