Gold doc marks 25th anniversary of The Royle Family
August 1, 2023
Comedy channel Gold is marking The Royle Family‘s 25th Anniversary with a refresh of its original 2010 documentary. The Royle Family: Down the Back of the Sofa (1×120’) celebrates the much loved and critically acclaimed sitcom 25 years after it first aired.
Co-created by Craig Cash and the late Caroline Aherne and first airing in September 1998, The Royle Family was known for its unique approach to sitcom storytelling, breaking away from the traditional structure. Starring Aherne and Cash with Ricky Tomlinson, Sue Johnston and Ralf Little, the show resonated with viewers with its relatable portrayal of family dynamics and garnered a loyal fanbase.
The Royle Family: Down the Back of the Sofa provides viewers with another chance to see the original documentary interviews with the core cast, which includes Cash and Aherne’s only ever filmed interview as a pair. In celebration of her legacy, the refreshed documentary will include fresh insights from celebrity fans such as Diane Morgan, Rosie Jones, Jamie and Natasia Demetriou, John Thomson, Rachel Fairburn, Shobna Gulati, Jack Rooke, Sharon Rooney and producer of The Royle Family, John Rushton.
The Royle Family: Down the Back of the Sofa is commissioned for UKTV by Mark Iddon, senior commissioning editor for comedy and entertainment and Jason Dawson, commissioning editor, and ordered by Gerald Casey, channel director for Gold and Hilary Rosen, director of commissioning. The documentary is produced by Phil McIntyre Television, in collaboration with Craig Cash, with Lucy Ansbro as executive producer and Lindsay Jex as producer.
Dawson said: “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. 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.”
Casey commented: “We absolutely love an anniversary on Gold, and we know our viewers love these nostalgic trips down memory lane just as much as us. It is an honour to have this retrospective documentary airing on Gold this September.”