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.
- Christmas Special repeated at 9:40pm on U&Gold
Streaming rank this week: 164
Episode menu
Barbara's Old Ring
Further details
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
Upcoming repeats
- Saturday 21st December 2024 at 9:40pm on U&Gold
- Tuesday 24th December 2024 at 10:15pm on U&Gold
- Wednesday 25th December 2024 at 2:00am on U&Gold
Cast & crew
| Ricky Tomlinson | Jim Royle |
| Sue Johnston | Barbara Royle |
| Caroline Aherne | Denise Royle / Best |
| Craig Cash | Dave Best |
| 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 |
| Caroline Aherne | Writer |
| Craig Cash | Writer |
| Phil Mealey | Writer |
| 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).