British Comedy Guide

The Royle Family may return

Wednesday 7th May 2008, 4:05am

It has been reported that Caroline Aherne is currently working on a new Royle Family Christmas special.

According to The Sun, the script will be ready in the autumn. It is believed that the episode will be a follow-up from the 2006 Christmas special, 'The Queen of Sheba', in which the character of Nana, played by Liz Smith, died.

The BBC has confirmed it is in "early talks" with Aherne and Cash to bring the hit sitcom back for one more special. The BBC spokeswoman said: "We are in early talks about a Royle Family special but nothing has been confirmed."

Aherne is also set to star in a new high-profile series called Sunshine. It's a comedy drama written by Craig Cash and Phil Mealey, the writers of Early Doors and long-term friends of Caroline. The 'heartwarming' series will see Steve Coogan playing gambling binman 'Bing' Crosby, whose addiction is putting his personal life in turmoil.

Sunshine will be Aherne's first TV role since 2006. According to the press, the comedy actress has been recovering from an alcohol addiction over the last few years. Ironically she is set to play the role of a barmaid in Sunshine.

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