[Cherie]

The Royle Family is returning for a one-off special to celebrate the show’s 25th anniversary.

Written, created by and starring Caroline Aherne, who died aged 52 in 2016, and Craig Cash, 62, the Royle Family became one of the defining sitcoms of the 1990s, following a Manchester-based family sat on their sofa watching television.

To mark a quarter of a century since the comedy launched on BBC, Gold will be airing an updated version of the 2010 documentary, The Royle Family: Down The Back Of The Sofa in September, featuring cast members Ralf Little, 42, Ricky Tomlinson, 83, Sue Johnston, 79, and Cash.

‘A quarter of a century! The Royle Family has without doubt left a permanent mark in television history and we’re delighted to have commissioned this documentary for the 25th anniversary,’ enthused Gold commissioning editor Jason Dawson.

‘Working alongside Craig and the brilliant team at Phil McIntyre is such a pleasure, and we hope viewers will enjoy reliving this celebration of one of the nation’s most beloved shows.’

The Royle Family ran for three glorious series from 1998 to 2000, later returning for several specials from 2006 to 2012.