Ricky Tomlinson wants to put together an outtakes special in honour of his late ‘Royle Family’ co-star Caroline Aherne.
The writer and actress passed away in July following a lengthy battle against lung cancer, and the Liverpudlian – who starred as Jim Royle in the popular BBC sitcom – is keen to pay homage to his on-screen daughter [Denise Best].
The 77-year-old comedian already has some ideas for which blunders could feature in the programme, but he’s not sure if the BBC still have the footage archived.
On the cast’s plans to pay their respects to the 52-year-old star, Ricky said: "People don’t know that when we did ‘Mambo No 5’, Twiggy’s trousers fell off – so that must be there in the outtakes. Craig Cash did 14 takes to say one word, when he was talking about Dame Helen Mirren. He was saying, ‘That Helen Mirren, she doesn’t mind flipping them out’, and I used to fall about. I had to bite my lip.
"There is stuff like that that nobody has seen so far.
"I don’t know if someone has got them but, my God, what a bloody programme that would be. That would be a good tribute to Caroline."
Ricky remembers Caroline for her prankster ways, and one particular moment that still makes him chuckle is the time he was filming in his boxer shorts and a t-shirt, and the blonde beauty joked about his balls falling out.
According to the Daily Star, he said: "We had done an episode where my big toe was supposed to be sore. I have just got my Y-fronts on and a top.
"When the episode was done, Caroline looked at me with a smirk and she went: "Do you know when we did that scene, one of your testicles was hanging out."
Ricky was left reeling by the tragic news of Caroline’s death.
At the time, he shared: "I’m so bloody shocked. She was absolutely wonderful and amazing to work for. Kind, funny, witty.
"A true professional and one of the most generous people I ever worked with."
As well as co-writing ‘The Royle Family’, Caroline starred as the acerbic chat show host Mrs Merton, while she also featured in various roles in the ‘The Fast Show’.
Caroline won an array of gongs during her comedy career, including BAFTAs, a British Comedy Award and a Royal Television Society Award.
Ricky Tomlinson wants outtakes tribute for Caroline Aherne
