Ricky Tomlinson: 'Liverpool, as you know, is the second capital of Ireland' 

As he comes to Cork with an Irish-themed play, the Royle Family star, 84, talks about his home city, past roles, and his days on the building site 

Ricky Tomlinson plays himself in Irish Annies

Ricky Tomlinson had no idea the Royle Family would become a crowning achievement of his life and career. When the actor and musician was cast in Caroline Aherne’s late 1990s sitcom about a lovably slobbish Manchester family, he regarded it as just another gig. He was both delighted and astonished to see it embraced as Britain’s most beloved sitcom.

“To me, it was just a job. We used to have so much fun doing it,” says the 84-year-old, recalling his time on screen alongside co-stars such as Aherne, the show’s creator, and Ralf Little, who has gone on to lead cosy crime blockbuster Death in Paradise. “I used to look forward to going to work.”