Tomlinson predicts more Royle sagas

Next month’s Royle Family special could open the door for more episodes, star Ricky Tomlinson claims.

‘I can’t give things away, but let’s just say there is unexpected romance in the show,’ he said.

‘Also, the way things are left I think there is scope for a follow-up, whether it be a one-off special or a new series.’

The new one-off is called The Queen of Sheba – the name Tomlinson’s Jim Royle gives to attention-hogging Nana, as played by Liz Smith.

‘If Liz doesn’t get a Bafta for her brilliant performance I’ll show my arse on the steps of Liverpool Town Hall,’ Tomlinson said. ‘She had us screaming with laughter.”

In his interview with the Liverpool Echo he revealed how happy he was when he heard the news that Caroline Aherne and co-writers Craig Cash and Phil Mealey had come up with a new script.

‘I got a call at 10 o’clock one morning just saying there was a chance of a new episode, and I said, “I can be in Manchester shortly after 10.30!

“We’re a close-knit group and there were loads of hugs when we met up at the Groucho Club in London for the script read-through. And at the end everyone stood up and applauded, which is very rare.’

Published: 14 Sep 2006