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.
- Series 2, Christmas Special repeated Sunday 1st December at 9:40pm on U&Gold
Streaming rank this week: 505
Press clippings Page 5
The Royle Family Christmas Special was about as special as cold sprouts. And it wasn't funny. Jurassic Jim's Mutley laughing at erectile dysfunction? Outdated humour at its crass worst. This once peerless comedy should be put out of our misery now.
Kevin O'Sullivan, The Mirror, 29th December 2012Those 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 2012A 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 2012Ricky 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 2012Ricky Tomlinson interview
Ricky Tomlinson - who plays Jim - tells TV Choice more about the latest festive treat...
TV Choice, 11th December 2012Sue 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 2012The 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 2011Royles 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 2011Sue 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 2011New 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