BBC's The Royle Family cast and where they are today
The Royle Family, despite only running for three series, is considered one of the finest British sitcoms ever created. Produced by Granada Television for the BBC, it aired from 1998 to 2000, with special standalone episodes broadcast from 2006, the last of which was in 2012.
Set in Manchester, the sitcom chronicled the everyday lives of the Royles, a typical working-class family from the North West. The main characters have remained etched in fans' memories even decades later.
The family comprised Jim Royle (Ricky Tomlinson), his wife Barbara (Sue Johnston), their daughter Denise (Caroline Aherne), son Antony (Ralf Little) and Denise's husband Dave (Craig Cash), all of whom resonated with ordinary families across the UK.
The series was written by Caroline Aherne and Craig Cash. On paper, it was a straightforward concept, but it evolved into something entirely groundbreaking. The show enjoyed immense success and set the stage for subsequent comedies, reports the Liverpool Echo.
Each episode depicted the family as they settled down to watch evening telly, discussed dinner plans and bickered amongst themselves, perfectly encapsulating working-class family life.
Over the years, millions have tuned in to watch The Royle Family. While it is frequently rerun on television, viewers can also catch it on BBC iPlayer. Here's a round-up of some of the most unforgettable characters and what became of them after the show.
Ricky Tomlinson
Ricky Tomlinson, best recognised for his portrayal of Jim Royle in the acclaimed comedy series, has left a mark with various other roles such as Bobby Grant in the iconic Merseyside soap Brookside and playing DCI Charlie Wise in the gripping crime drama Cracker.
His tenure on The Royle Family spanned all three series, as well as its coveted Christmas specials, from 1998 to 2012. In a candid chat with The Guardian, Ricky reminisced about clinching the part of Jim following a serendipitous meeting at a buffet with Caroline Aherne, the show's leading light and co-creator.
Beyond The Royle Family, Ricky kept busy with numerous film and television appearances. The BBC even featured him in the thirteenth series of Who Do You Think You Are?, unfolding the narrative of his Liverpool-rooted ancestors through a legacy of carters.
In 2020, the Liverpudlian embarked on a televised journey alongside Royle Family co-star Ralf Little in Gold's travelogue, Ricky and Ralf's Very Northern Road Trip. An unwavering champion of his hometown Liverpool, Ricky has been quoted saying: "I will never, ever move away from Liverpool, I love it here."
Ricky found love with social worker Rita Cummiskey, whom he wed in 2003. Alongside managing his career, she has shared his life since their paths crossed in 1993.
Before Rita, he was married to Marlene Tomlinson; together they parented Clifton, Gareth, and Kate.
Sue Johnston
Sue Johnston, known for her role as Barbara Royle in The Royle Family from 1998 to 2012, shared the screen with Ricky, who played her on-screen husband just as he did in Brookside. As the family matriarch, she was mother to Denise and Antony, and daughter to Nana.
Sue first rose to fame as Sheila Grant in Brookside, showcasing her acting versatility in a variety of roles over the years. You might also recognise her as Gloria Price in Coronation Street, Miss Denker in Downton Abbey, and from the critically acclaimed 90s series Goodbye Cruel World.
In 2018, she portrayed Ivy-Rae in the BBC drama Age Before Beauty, and in August 2019, she took on the role of Joan in the second series of Hold the Sunset. The Liverpool icon also starred alongside Stephen Graham and Jodie Comer in the film Help!, which centred around the Covid-19 pandemic.
At 81, Sue continues to captivate audiences, reprising her role in the Downton Abbey film sequel, Downton Abbey: A New Era, in 2022. Away from the camera, she has achieved remarkable personal milestones, expressing her 'overwhelm' to the ECHO upon receiving the freedom of city award in Liverpool last year.
Craig Cash
Craig is best remembered for his role as Dave in The Royle Family. His character, beloved by fans, delivered countless comedic moments throughout the show's three series.
Alongside Caroline, Craig also penned the script for the show. The actor has been in various TV shows and has penned other comedies. Craig notably wrote the BBC sitcom Early Doors, which tells tales from within a pub where regulars share their lives and issues, running for two seasons from 2003 to 2004.
Craig crafted the show with Phil Mealey, who not only co-wrote but acted in the sitcom. The duo also created the 2008 miniseries drama Sunshine.
He gained significant recognition when he stepped in as the narrator of Channel 4's Gogglebox following the passing of Caroline, his Royle Family co-star, in 2016. The pair had a strong bond both onscreen and off.
At 64, Craig is married to Stephanie Davies and they have two sons, Harry and Billy, both featuring in The Queen of Sheba episode of The Royle Family.
Caroline Aherne
Caroline left a lasting legacy, securing a BAFTA for her role as Denise in The Royle Family, which she co-created alongside Ricky, Craig Cash, Phil, and Henry Normal. Additionally, she bagged a BAFTA for her work on The Mrs Merton Show.
The Royle Family, her most famous work, ran for three series from 1998 to 2000, where she appeared as Denise, the daughter of Barbara and Jim Royle, earning herself the BAFTA for Best Comedy Performance in 2000.
Caroline's last prominent part was as the voice behind the comedy reality series Gogglebox on Channel 4. Craig Cash provided cover narrations when she was unable and ultimately took on the role permanently in April 2016 after Caroline passed away.
Caroline's last on-screen performance was in Sky One's After Hours, where she acted opposite her Royle Family screen husband Craig as the character Sheila.
Caroline, diagnosed with lung cancer in 2014, sadly passed away in 2016 at just 52-years-old, prompting a global outpouring of tributes. Upon her untimely death, Craig eulogised: "She was a very bright light that didn't shine long enough."
Ralf Little
Renowned for his role as Antony Royle in the BBC's The Royle Family, Ralf Little portrayed the put-upon youngest son who was frequently tasked with running errands and completing chores for the family.
Securing the part of Antony propelled Little into acting full-time, leading him to abandon his medical studies at the University of Manchester. He was part of the show's cast from its debut in 1998 up until its final special in 2012.
With numerous high-profile roles, Ralf has enjoyed a successful career, notably portraying Jonny Keogh in the first six seasons of Two Pints of Lager and a Packet of Crisps, and more recently starring as Detective Inspector Neville Parker in Death in Paradise from 2020 to 2024.
Will Mellor and Ralf Little have set fans buzzing by announcing they'll be teaming up again soon, following the success of their comedy 'Will and Ralf Should Know Better' which aired last year.
Following the success of their initial series, Will and Ralf are set to return to U and UandDave for a second series of adventures. The new series will be broadcast in two segments, each consisting of three episodes.
He has been betrothed to American playwright and screenwriter Lindsey Ferrentino, who is the daughter of comedian and magician John Ferrentino, since 2018.
Andy Whyment
Andy portrayed Darren Sinclair-Jones in The Royle Family. Despite only playing the role between 1999 and 2000, his character became a memorable part of the show. In the series, Darren is Antony's best mate.
His final appearance comes in the Series 3 Christmas Special when Antony and his pregnant partner Emma ask Darren to be the Godfather. Although he featured in the popular BBC comedy, Andy is most recognised for his role on Coronation Street, where he has played Kirk Sutherland since 2000. He has also participated in Soapstar Superstar and Dancing on Ice.
In 2019, Andy competed in I'm a Celebrity... Get Me Out of Here!, finishing as runner-up to EastEnders actress Jacqueline Jossa.
Off-screen, Andy leads a more stable life than his character, being happily wedded to Nicola Willis. The content pair have been married since 2007 and have two children, Thomas and Hollie.
Liz Smith
Liz Smith was celebrated for her portrayal of Nana in the BBC comedy. As Barbara Royle's mother, she kept audiences amused with her constant squabbles with Jim.
In a poignant episode titled The Queen of Sheba, viewers were moved as Jim broke down in tears by her bedside as she passed away. Jim expressed his deep longing to Barbara, wishing for just one more "bloody row" with her.
Liz portrayed Nana from 1998 to 2006 and was honoured with a BAFTA Award nomination for Best Comedy Performance in 2007 for the role. Prior to becoming Nana, she was celebrated for her performances in various BBC sitcoms.
Her notable roles included Annie Brandon in I Didn't Know You Cared (1975–1979), the siblings Bette and Belle in 2point4 Children (1991–1999), and Letitia Cropley in The Vicar of Dibley (1994–1996). Liz's portrayal of Mother in the film A Private Function (1984) earned her a BAFTA award.
In recognition of her contributions to drama, Liz was appointed a Member of the Order of the British Empire (MBE) in the 2009 New Year Honours. The beloved television icon passed away on Christmas Eve 2016 at the age of 95.
Her Royle Family co-star Ralf Little took to Twitter to pay homage, writing: "Devastating to lose two members of my second family in one awful year. RIP Liz Smith. Goodbye Nana. Xxx".
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