The Royle Family

"The Royle Family" is revolves around the lives of a working class Manchester family whose members like nothing better than sitting in front of the TV and discussing everyday subjects. Patriarch Jim Royle (Ricky Tomlinson) is a slob who can usually be found in his armchair. He regularly yells "my arse!" at celebrities on TV or when he's scolding members of his family. His hard-working wife Barbara (Sue Johnston) is the main breadwinner. Their daughter Denise (Caroline Aherne) shares Jim's aversion to work and her henpecked husband Dave (Craig Cash) is generally not too bright but friendly and easygoing. Jim and Barbara's son Antony (Ralf Little) is the family dogsbody, ordered to do any menial errand without complaint, although he does go on to become a successful businessman. Other characters pop in and out of the Royles' living room, including neighbours Mary and Joe (Doreen Keogh and Peter Martin), friend of the family Twiggy (Geoffrey Hughes) and Denise's plump best friend Cheryl (Jessica Hynes). Barbara's demanding mother Nana (Liz Smith) makes regular visits, much to Jim's annoyance, until she is forced to move in with the Royles when her health declines. Nana passes away in the memorable 2006 Christmas special, The Queen of Sheba, and Mary's death was reported in a later episode. Created by Aherne and Cash, the programme premiered on BBC Two in 1998 and transferred to BBC One for the second series in 1999. After the third series ended in 2000, it returned for occasional Christmas specials from 2006 onwards.