It has been over a decade since fans last saw the beloved characters of The Royle Family on screen. The BBC sitcom, which first aired in 1998, followed the working-class Royle family from the North West. After three series, it ended in 2000, but standalone episodes aired until 2012, with the final Christmas special titled Barbara's Old Ring.
Ricky Tomlinson, who played Jim Royle, continued his acting career after the show, appearing in productions such as In the Flesh, Great Night Out, and the film Nativity. However, he faced personal tragedy in 2004 when his 33-year-old son Clifton died from alcoholic liver disease. Ricky has spoken about still communicating with his late son, saying, 'I talk to him all the time, in my head.'
Caroline Aherne, who played daughter Denise and co-created the series with Craig Cash, died from lung cancer in 2016 at the age of 52. She had also narrated the Channel 4 reality show Gogglebox. Her on-screen brother Ralf Little paid tribute, calling her 'a character, a legend, a boss, a sister, real and (for me) fake.'
Sue Johnston, who played Barbara Royle, has since appeared in Coronation Street as Gloria Price and in Downton Abbey as Gladys Denker. She received an OBE in 2009 for services to drama and charity. Speaking about Caroline Aherne's death, Sue said she still finds it difficult, admitting, 'I still can’t delete her number from my phone.'
Craig Cash, who played Dave and co-wrote the series, went on to co-write and star in the BBC sitcom Early Doors. He also took over as narrator of Gogglebox after Caroline's death, describing it as 'a gift she left me.'
