The Royle Family is to return for a new 2011 special which may feature the sound of Wythenshawe wedding bells.

Writers and stars Caroline Aherne and Craig Cash have yet to write the script for the one-off episode, expected to be screened by BBC1 on Christmas Day.

Last year over 11m viewers saw Antony (Ralf Little) propose to girlfriend Saskia (Joanne Froggatt) in a special called Joe’s Crackers.

Heaton Norris-raised Craig, who plays Dave, said: "We can’t decide whether to do his wedding or not because he proposed the last time. But we don’t really think about it until the last minute."

The Royle return is expected to be filmed once again at The Pie Factory on the MediaCity UK site at Salford Quays.

But writers Caroline, who plays Denise, Craig and Phil Mealey are renowned for leaving script writing for the specials until the last minute.

"We always leave it a little bit late. It’s like doing your homework," explained Craig. "I really don’t know what will be in it. We just said, ‘Shall we do another? OK, go on then.’

"We leave it because we’re lazy. And then it gets to the last minute and that sometimes does help because you’re panicking over it, then something comes out. We don’t plan ahead. We just know we get together."

All the main cast members are expected to return, including Ricky Tomlinson and Sue Johnston as Jim and Barbara.

Bury-raised Ralf said: "Whatever they write, it’s a pleasure. What a joy. You turn up and everybody gets together again. It’s not really work. It is for Craig, Caroline and Phil because they have the responsibility of making sure it all works together. But I’m just an actor. I turn up and have a great time.

"When Craig wants to wind me up he says, ‘We’ve written the first line of the next Christmas special: ‘Oh, in’t it a shame about Antony dying and that. Let’s never mention him again’. But fingers crossed I’ll be in it."

Ralf also stars in a new Sky1 HD comedy series called The Cafe later this year, directed by Craig.

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