British Comedy Guide
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.

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Barbara's Old Ring

It's beginning to look a lot like Christmas at the Royles' and Barbara's gone overboard with the presents. "If you can't spoil your family at Christmas, when can you?" she asks, having spent a whole two hours in Poundland.

Preview clips

Further details

The Royle Family. Image shows from L to R: Denise Royle / Best (Caroline Aherne), Dave Best (Craig Cash). Copyright: Granada Productions / Jellylegs

It's beginning to look a lot like Christmas at the Royles' and Barbara's gone overboard with the presents. "If you can't spoil your family at Christmas, when can you?" she asks, having spent a whole two hours in Poundland.

A new neighbour moves onto the street with an impressive cleavage, but will she be welcome on the sofa?

In a flash of seasonal entrepreneurial spirit, Dave reveals the idea he intends to pitch to Dragons' Den. Will it take off and make them rich? Or is Jim's scratch card more likely to bring in the Christmas cheer?

Joe next door is looking for love, and places an advert in the Lonely Hearts column, 'Vacant Lady Wanted'. Who could resist?

Notes

This episode was originally commissioned for Christmas 2011, but Aherne and Cash failed to complete the script in time.

This episode was dedicated to the memory of Geoff Hughes. "A lovely man."

This episode was a Jellylegs production in association with ITV Studios.

Broadcast details

Date
Tuesday 25th December 2012
Time
9:45pm
Channel
BBC One
Length
60 minutes

Cast & crew

Cast
Ricky Tomlinson Jim Royle
Sue Johnston Barbara Royle
Caroline Aherne Denise Royle / Best
Craig Cash Dave Best
Guest cast
Peter Martin Joe Carroll (Cheryl's Dad)
Lorraine Bruce Carol
Mary Healey Philomena
Denice Hope Brenda
Menyee Lai Ling Su
Marie Mitchell Betty
Steve Money Petula
Iris Sharples (as Iris Sharple) Elsie
Sheila Vaughan Doreen
Writing team
Caroline Aherne Writer
Craig Cash Writer
Phil Mealey Writer
Production team
Caroline Aherne Director
Lucy Ansbro Producer
Caroline Aherne Executive Producer
Craig Cash Executive Producer
Phil Mealey Executive Producer
Kristian Smith Executive Producer
Ian Wilson Editor
Margaret Coombes Production Designer

Video

The Royle Family - Christmas 2012 Trailer

The family talk about good inventions, and Dave makes an interesting suggestion.

Featuring: Caroline Aherne (Denise Royle / Best), Craig Cash (Dave Best), Sue Johnston (Barbara Royle) & Ricky Tomlinson (Jim Royle).

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