Caroline Aherne's sad final Gogglebox request and Ricky Tomlinson's sad regret
We take a look at the life of comedy legend Caroline Aherne, from her final Gogglebox request, to the tragic regret expressed by her Royle Family castmate, Ricky Tomlinson.
Known for her extraordinary comedic powers and keen ear for everyday dialogue, Wythenshawe-raised Caroline left behind an extraordinary legacy following her death at the age of just 52. The beloved actor and writer passed away at home in Timberley Cheshire in 2016, following a battle with lung cancer.
Caroline, who had previously fought cancer of the bladder and retina, publicly shared her lung cancer diagnosis in 2014. She went into remission, but the cancer sadly returned, leaving her facing a devastating prognosis of just three to 12 months to live. When Caroline passed away two months later, many of her loved ones were shocked, as she had only let a few people know just how poorly she really was.
Craig was a great support to Caroline in her final years (BBC/Jellylegs)Last Gogglebox request
One of those Caroline confided in during her time of need was writing partner Craig Cash, who of course played her onscreen husband Dave Best in The Royle Family, and she also made a very special request of him. Having been the voice of Gogglebox since its inception, Caroline asked close friend Craig if he could take over if she became too ill to continue.
BAFTA award-winning actor Craig told the Radio Times: "In November 2013, when she was gravely ill with cancer, Caroline asked if I'd narrate Gogglebox when she wasn't up to it. Of course, I said yes; it was a very sad time and I wanted to do right by her and by the programme. Caroline was well and then unwell, well and unwell, so I filled in whenever she needed me to."
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Craig stepped in as a relief host when Caroline took time off for treatment and continued to stand it for her whenever she needed him in her final years. Following Caroline's passing, Craig, who gave a speech at her funeral, took over her Gogglebox voiceover role permanently, per her final wishes.
Ricky had hoped for a castmates' reunion (BBC)Sorrow and regret of onscreen father
Ricky Tomlinson, who played Caroline's onscreen dad Jim Royle in the beloved Mancunian sitcom, was deeply affected by her loss and has previously spoken out about his regret that they never managed to arrange a final reunion amongst Royle Family castmates. Opening up during a 2016 interview with the Mirror, Ricky shared: "[Caroline's brother] Patrick said she was in good spirits last time we spoke. We were planning to meet in a pub in Manchester where I was doing a little talk two weeks ago, but he didn't show up. Someone said: 'Everything's fine. He's gone back to Spain'. And I thought that's good... she must be on the mend because he wouldn't have gone away if she was ill."
Mere weeks before Caroline's death, Ricky was further encouraged by a conversation he'd had with co-star Craig, and the pair had even discussed meeting up with her. Sadly, it was not to be. Ricky said: "Craig told me 'She's not bad, Ricky'. And I was so pleased. I'm a bit of a bloody weepy and I wouldn't get in touch with her, see. I'd start crying. So I've not seen her properly, other than the odd event, since we worked together. But I spoke to Craig and we were going to get together."
Whatever people living with cancer need to ask about cancer, work, money or life. The big things and the small stuff. Macmillan is at the end of the phone and online to provide support. Call the Macmillan Support Line on 0808 808 00 00 or visit macmillan.org.uk and ask anything.
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