Caroline Aherne: BBC’s Christmas Day programme a poignant tribute to a Greater Manchester icon

Caroline Aherne is one of the stand out names when it comes to famous Manchester sons and daughters. Her work made people laugh and cry in almost equal measure, and the BBC documentary on Christmas Day was a fitting reflection of a life cut tragically short. 

The documentary, entitled ‘Queen of Comedy’ took a deep dive into Caroline’s work and how she progressed through the male-dominated world of stand up comedy in the early 1990s. We get a unique insight into how she created some of her best work, through the memories of her friends who loved her dearly. 

Hearing from people who knew Caroline for almost her whole life painted a picture of why she was a much loved figure. From her early days as a stand up, through to her creation of the dead-pan presenter Mrs Merton and up to the creation of Manchester’s favourite’s ‘The Royle Family’. 

The creation of chat show host Mrs Merton presented Caroline to millions of people across the UK. Some of the biggest celebs of the early 1990s were welcomed on the show and given a very unique treatment. The documentary covered one episode when racist and homophobic comedian Bernard Manning was asked on. Caroline's friends recalled how she was around the recording, and many said it was the most like Caroline that 'Mrs Merton' ever reached.

TV stars and great friends to Caroline Steve Coogan and Craig Cash were honest and funny in their recollections, with emotions running high for the hugely popular personality. The documentary has plenty of points to make you laugh and also to cry, as Caroline's struggles with cancer towards the end of her life are relieved through her friends. Her issues with being a target for paparazzi also have the spotlight shown on them, as are the ways she was supported by herself and those close to her. 

The Royle Family is arguably Aherne’s best work, with her creation of the Manchester family alongside friend and colleague Craig Cash winning several awards including BAFTA’s. Other co-stars from the hit sitcom share their personal memories of Caroline with the smiles and tears that she led people to. Her on-screen parents Ricky Tomlinson and Sue Johnston have become household names and faces across the country, and they shared what it was like to have Caroline as boss, essentially that she didn’t talk to them like a boss but as a friend. 

The sitcom nearly wasn’t picked up by the BBC due to it not having a studio audience- something that the corporation felt was a necessity for sitcoms. It’s odd, looking in hindsight, to think just how much of a negative impact that might have had on some of the jokes in The Royle Family, and thankfully the creators fought their ground to make it happen- with a little bit of pressure from Caroline. 

The Royle Family came together and the deadpan jokes with the occasional thought provoking story-line. It is these factors which have made it one of the most popular sitcoms of recent years, and it was Caroline’s genius which helped to bring it into being. 

If you did miss the documentary, or if you want to relieve it in full, then there’s no need to fear. BBC iPlayer will have it ready to watch, and you can do so on TV or on your smartphone, laptop or tablet.