The Royle Family. Image shows from L to R: Denise Royle / Best (Caroline Aherne), Dave Best (Craig Cash), Jim Royle (Ricky Tomlinson), Antony Royle (Ralf Little)
The Royle Family

The Royle Family

  • TV sitcom
  • BBC One / BBC Two
  • 1998 - 2012
  • 25 episodes (3 series)

The Royles are a family of couch potatoes who watch television in their dirty living room whilst chatting, arguing, and drinking copious amounts of tea and alcohol. Stars Ricky Tomlinson, Sue Johnston, Caroline Aherne, Ralf Little, Craig Cash and more.

  • JustWatch Streaming rank this week: 926

Press clippings Page 5

Those disappointed that a 2011 Royle Family special failed to materialise will be heartened to learn that Barbara (Sue Johnston) has gone overboard with all the presents for 2012. "If you can't spoil your family at Christmas, when can you?" she asks, having spent a whole hour in Poundland. But not everyone is cosy and content: neighbour Joe has placed a lonely-hearts ad. It reads: "Vacant Lady Wanted." Who could resist such a charm offensive?

David Brown, Radio Times, 25th December 2012

A new episode of The Royle Family (BBC1, 9.45pm) reminds me that, according to the BBC's website, "In 2001 Caroline Aherne announced her retirement from TV." Like Frank Sinatra before her, she then discovered that the only thing a celebrity can do after announcing their retirement is to make a comeback. I'm glad she did, though.

Victor Lewis-Smith, The Independent, 24th December 2012

Ricky Tomlinson: 'Everyone knows someone like Jim'

Ricky Tomlinson talks to TV Times magazine about why it's the best Christmas yet for layabout Jim and his squabbling brood in The Royle Family.

TV Times, 19th December 2012

Ricky Tomlinson interview

Ricky Tomlinson - who plays Jim - tells TV Choice more about the latest festive treat...

TV Choice, 11th December 2012

Sue Johnston lands Coronation Street role

Royle Family star Sue Johnston is to play Stella Price's mum Gloria in Coronation Street, producers have said.

BBC News, 2nd April 2012

The Royle Family: Tube Talk Gold

The Royle Family is a bit of an odd show. When you turn it on, you're basically watching people watching television. But that is really its charm - it's quiet and gentle, but also very, very funny.

Catriona Wightman, Digital Spy, 10th December 2011

Royles written off for Christmas

The popular Royle Family Christmas special has been axed - because creators Caroline Aherne and Craig Cash have failed to deliver the script in time.

Leigh Holmwood, The Sun, 5th November 2011

Sue Johnston: Fame drove me to bulimia and depression

Sue Johnston has spoken out about her struggle with bulimia and depression during the early years of her fame.

Liz Thomas, Daily Mail, 23rd August 2011

New Royle Family Christmas special confirmed

Craig Cash has confirmed that there will be another Christmas special of The Royle Family later this year.

British Comedy Guide, 26th July 2011

Mirroring scenes around the country, the Mancunian clan slump stuffed onto their sofa. As guests arrive, Barbara (Sue Johnston) is doing all the work because Jim (Ricky Tomlinson) is chair-bound after an accident in the precinct. Joanne Froggatt (housemaid Anna from Downton Abbey) plays Anthony's pregnant girlfriend. Surely she won't give birth on Christmas Day?

The Telegraph, 23rd December 2010

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