Did you see? The Royle Family (BBC1)

Ian Wylie

October 30, 2006

SOFA SO GOOD: The Royle Family returned after six years away

MILLIONS of viewers made a date with The Royle Family last night when the sitcom returned to the screen for the first time in six years.

A total of 7.8m people - a third of all television viewers last night - watched the one-off episode featured the death of Nana, played by Liz Smith.

Her ashes given pride of place in the Manchester family's household... on top of the telly.

It also included neighbour Cheryl's (Jessica Stevenson) string of dates after placing an advert in the M.E.N. "Matchmaker Matchmaker" columns.

Bafta

Ricky Tomlinson, who plays Jim, has already tipped veteran actress Liz for a Bafta award after her Royle command performance in the hour-long special.

He also hopes Wythenshawe-raised Caroline Aherne, who plays Denise, will be tempted to bring the Royles back again.

"It's the best thing she's ever written," he said. "I think there may well be more episodes after this one."

What did you think? Have your say.

For all the latest news from the world of television, check out Ian Wylie's blog, The Life of Wylie .

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Back by Royle command

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Chris, Altrincham (30/10/2006 at 10:31)

I was disappointed in last nights special. Where was Darren? Little David is a stupid character. Too much crammed into an hour.

Chris, Hyde (30/10/2006 at 11:19)

I agree with Alty Chris, too many cliches crammed in, too overproduced. It could have and should have been so much better, just shows the standard of the BBC nowadays.

Geff Porter, Hulme (30/10/2006 at 11:29)

Great comedy in the past and last night.!but they have killed the show by killing off nana. liitle david trying to follow big david saying"Yeah. yeah. and to much messing about putting down wooden flooring. resembles to much of the decorating episode.

Elizabeth, Wales (30/10/2006 at 11:48)

I am still crying - after the brilliant performance with the cast of the Royle Family.
It was so poignant but hilariously funny as well.
It put out important issues that will do well to serve us all as a reminder of our loved ones.
Obviously the Royles were not well off, but they didn't put her in a grey waiting room to die home, that has become the norm for our elderly frail loved ones these days.
Thank you for pointing that issue out.
Just like some kids think that custard powder comes out of a packet, we've become ready to accept that "Old Peoples Homes" is the norm .
Thank you Caroline Ahearne and Craig Cash.

Jane, Manchester (30/10/2006 at 12:02)

I thought last night's show the best yet! The handling of an infirm relative leaving us was handled well and left me with tears from laughter and from personal recollection! Lets hope there's more!

manchester, manchester (30/10/2006 at 12:15)

I missed it!!!! Is anyone aware of a repeat episode??

barry haines, manchester (30/10/2006 at 12:29)

the only programme on television that leaves me wanting more,this fantastically scripted programme surpasses anything else on television.

Noel, Eccles (30/10/2006 at 12:43)

Don't worry if you missed it. I'm sure you'll be able to catch the episode on UK Gold four times a week, ever week for the next 20 years!

Janet, Eccles (30/10/2006 at 12:46)

Disappointed with last night.

dakeb, somerset (30/10/2006 at 12:50)

The Royles could and should have the longevity of Only Fools and Horses. There is so much that can be added if they commissioned a new series. Sheryl and Twiggy's romance and marriage? Catch up with Anthony's journey from teen to businessman? What happened to Emma and who is Sarah? Nana is still there on top of the telly for Jim to rant at. Come on Beeb, you have the writers, you have the actors, you have the vehicle, but most of all you have the audience. If you want to increase viewing figures you know what you have to do. And lets also have more Early Doors please.

Dave, Manchester (30/10/2006 at 13:11)

Poor..recycled old episodes!

Mrs T, at work (30/10/2006 at 13:16)

Caroline Ahearn is an absolute genius! Bring it on Caroline. I forgot how much the Royale Family made me laugh until last night. I am so glad i recorded it to watch again and catch the bits i probably missed.

Trevor, Manchester (30/10/2006 at 13:20)

The sequence in the hospital with a dodgy Enya-style song in the background ruined the whole episode. I'm baffled as to why nobody cut that section of hysterical manipulative sentimentality.

It's a sitcom. The moment the 'com' leaves the 'sit' you're in trouble.

The first two series of The Royles were wonderful television, but I can't help but think that it wasn't just Nana who died last night - it was the entire series.

MS, Manchester (30/10/2006 at 13:26)

Can anyone please tell me when this will be repeated i missed it last night.

MG, Worsley (30/10/2006 at 14:02)

It was good but knowhere near as good as Early Doors lets have another series but give it a prime spot on BBC 1 this time.

Linda, Walsall (30/10/2006 at 14:09)

I don't understand when people say that anything moving or touching is 'manipulative.' I loved everything about last night's instalment. And being as I went into labour with my daughters laughing at the wedding episode a few years back, it had a lot to live up to!

Ms D, Manchester (30/10/2006 at 15:19)

I'm not a fan of the Royle Family. It's too true to be funny.

Scott, Stockport (30/10/2006 at 15:48)

Fantastic piece of television...truly award winning..!!

Vintage Royle Family, has you laughing one minute and then crying the next, a real rollercoaster of emotions.

Those that were disapointed with it last night probably never got it in the first place.

Let's hope there is at least another series.

Well done BBC, North West comedy triumphs again!!!!!

p.s. she had soup of the day, which was a Friday..GENIUS..ha ha...still laughing at that now...!!

blue jewels, manchester (30/10/2006 at 15:51)

I thought it was absolutely brilliant, though I wished they hadn't killed off Nana. Please write some more episodes Caroline and Craig. Also more Early Doors too..

robert murphy, ireland (30/10/2006 at 15:51)

it was the best tv show of the year they should do more hour long specials each year

jenny Brooks, cambridge (30/10/2006 at 16:16)

British comedy at it's absolute best i laughed and cried then laughed again, Brilliant

Karl, North West (30/10/2006 at 16:50)

I was genuinely shocked at just how bad this was. This kind of mawkish sentimentality is what Orwell warned us about in '1984', where his 'proles' were downtrodden and ignorant, but kept blissful with saccharine pop culture. For me, last night's episode ruined the entire previous series. A shame.

jean harrison, manchester (30/10/2006 at 17:19)

the best yet please please lets have more. well done to liz.
i laughed and cried and laugh till my ribs were sore. carn't wait for the dvd to come out .

jean harrison, partington (30/10/2006 at 17:23)

the best ever more form craig and caroliyne i laugh till my ribs were sore and was still laughing hours after well done to liz, but were was arrn and emma.

mike, oldham (30/10/2006 at 18:28)

some of the comments about last nights episode are unfare most great comedys have sad moments remmember grandad dying in fools and hourses. this episode was one of the best because it combined happiness with sadness which is true to life. congrats to the writers lets have some more...

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