Nana Liz Smith The Royle Family dies

The Royle Family. Did you read that and think that I had spelt Royal wrong? You did? Gotcha. If you are a British TV viewer you may however be familiar with the Royle family.

Sadly in 2016 two of its actors died.

Caroline Aherne died July 2, 2016, aged just 52, and on Boxing Day it was announced that Liz Smith who played Nana in the show had died on Christmas Eve aged 95. If you are into coincidences Caroline Aherne was born on Christmas Eve 1963.

Both women were multi-talented and had successful careers but The Royle Family brought the two talented women together.

​Liz Smith bio
Caroline Aherne bio
​
The Royle Family was a typical English comedy series. Well typical of today. It is an irreverent slice of family live for the fictional Royle Family, who may represent some modern British families. No longer in production The Royle's can often be seen on digital channels or as the occasional re-run. The regular cast and characters were:-

• Caroline Aherne as Denise Royle/Best
• Sue Johnston as Barbara Royle
• Ricky Tomlinson as Jim Royle
• Ralf Little as Antony Royle
• Liz Smith as Norma Speakman
• Craig Cash as Dave Best
• Doreen Keogh as Mary Carroll
• Peter Martin as Joe Carroll
• Jessica Stevenson as Cheryl Carroll
• Geoffrey Hughes as Twiggy
• Sheridan Smith as Emma Kavanagh
• Andrew Whyment as Darren Sinclair-Jones
• Matthew Hughes as Baby David
• James Hughes as Baby David

Most of the action, if you can call it that, in The Royle Family takes place in the family living room. This rather down to earth Northern family are usually all sat gathered around the television set.

The head of the household Jim Royle likes to share his toilet habits with the rest of his family, breaking wind when the urge takes him and detailing his bowel movements. Jim was responsible for what became a national catchphrase, namely My Arse.

All of this may sound decidedly unfunny and boring but you are wrong to think that.

You need to experience The Royle's to ultimately decide. I was amazed when my mother-in-law a few years ago watched the Royles at Christmas. My Mum-in-law, somewhat of a prude who never tolerated bad language or overtly sexy shows amazingly loved The Royle Family.

The show's writers Caroline Aherne and Craig Cash captured so much that is funny about an ordinary family's daily life. The show had its poignant and sad moments but on the whole laughter was the order of the day.

Was Channel 4s Gogglebox born out of the Royle Family?

Watch the Royle Family as repeats, on Youtube or treat yourself to one of the DVDs.
The Royle Family was a groundbreaking English comedy show that is widely missed.

​http://www.telegraph.co.uk/news/2016/12/26/royle-family-actress-liz-smith-dies-aged-95/