BBC Remembers Collection

Ricky Tomlinson sits back in his chair and takes a fond look back at the much-loved comedy series The Royle Family, sharing his memories of playing head of the family Jim Royle and his experiences working with the show’s co-creator Caroline Aherne, who, as well as writing the show with co-star Craig Cash, also played Jim’s daughter Denise. Ricky talks about how a chance encounter helped him get the part of Jim, recounts what it was like filming some of the show’s most iconic moments, and tries to get the bottom of the origins of Jim’s famous, below-the-belt catchphrase.

Mackenzie Crook shares what inspired him to write his hit series Detectorists - a funny and touching series about a group of metal detectorists (not detectors) in the fictional town of Danebury.

Actors Rudolph Walker and Angela Wynter, firm favourites with EastEnders fans, discuss their poignant two-hander episode from May 2024.

Pam St Clement remembers how the nation was gripped by one of the most iconic episodes of EastEnders, when Pat’s affair with Frank was finally, and very publicly, exposed.

Actor Ross Kemp recalls one of the most explosive storylines in EastEnders - Sharongate - where Grant accidentally hears his wife confessing to being unfaithful with his brother.

A self-confessed comedy hero to Ruth Jones, Hattie Jacques was a core part of postwar British comedy history. Roles in the Carry On films and TV sitcoms such as Sykes and Hancock cemented her place in the nation’s heart. Yet her off-screen life was just as extraordinary – married to Dad’s Army star John Le Mesurier, she began an unconventional affair with her driver, a scandal that could have ended her career. Ruth looks back at Hattie, a one-off drama that captures the astonishing story.