Royle Family's Ricky Tomlinson earning huge sum thanks to trademark catchphrase

06 May 2023 , 21:30

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Royle Family's Ricky Tomlinson has earned over £30k since last year with his trademark catchphrase (Image: BBC/Jellylegs)

Sitcom actor Ricky Tomlinson has reportedly been raking in a steady income from cameo videos using his famous Royle Family catchphrase.

The actor, 83, has been performing as his alter ego grumpy Jim Royle to create bespoke videos for fans using the celebrity platform Cameo.

The star charges fans £60 a pop and has reportedly earned £36,000 since joining the website last year and earned himself a five star ranking on his site for going above and beyond for fans.

The website boasts other famous faces including comedian Miranda Hart and soap actors Bill Roache from Coronation Street and Alan Fletcher from Neighbours.

Ricky Tomlinson has reportedly earned over £36,000 since last year as his Royle Family alter ego Jim Royle (Cameo)

Actor Ricky Tomlinson has joined other soap and TV actors on the Cameo platform creating bespoke videos for fans (Mike Marsland/WireImage)

The actor creates videos using his catchphrase from the British sitcom as he plays the part of the grubby couch potato and shouts "My a***!" for fans.

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In the clips bought by fans, Ricky sits in either his infamous yellow striped shirt or his white string vest as he speaks direct to the camera for birthdays, celebrations and personalised tributes for fans.

Ricky charges fans £60 per video, and has now created over 600 videos on the website and many fans have praised the actor for his commitment to creating the bespoke content.

One said: "Thank you so so so much!!!!! You went above and beyond, my Dad and everyone who’s seen it just love it. Thank you so much for taking the time and effort to make my Dad’s 70th so special and so personal.

Ricky Tomlinson last played grumpy character Jim Royle in December 2012 (BBC/Jellylegs)

"You are a true gentleman and we are so very grateful. I really can’t thank you enough, legend!"

Another wrote: "Great video! Was expecting a short video and got seven minutes! Very funny, personalised, fast turnaround and really genuine."

Whilst the last episode of The Royle Family might have aired over a decade ago in December 2012, actor Ricky Tomlinson hasn't disappeared from the spotlight as the Liverpudlian star has remained vocal on politics and the UK government in recent years.

Late last year, Ricky warned Prime Minister Rishi Sunak that pensioners would severely suffer if the government did not do more to protect and support them. He told the Mirror that pensioners having to use food banks "is a disgrace".

Niamh Spence