Gogglebox voiceover star Caroline Aherne's heartbreaking dying wish for show amid lung cancer battle
Caroline Aherne was renowned for her exceptional comedic talent and knack for capturing everyday conversation. She left an incredible legacy behind after her untimely death at just 52 years old.
The much-loved actress and writer, who co-created and starred in The Royle Family and also appeared on TV as Mrs Merton, passed away at her home in Timberley Cheshire in 2016, following a battle with lung cancer.
Having previously battled bladder and retina cancer, Caroline publicly announced her lung cancer diagnosis in 2014. She went into remission, but tragically, the cancer returned, giving her a devastating prognosis of only three to 12 months to live.
When Caroline died two months later, many of her loved ones were taken aback, as she had only confided in a few about the severity of her illness, reports the Mirror.
Gogglebox is now narrated by Caroline's Royle Family co-creator Craig Cash, but she was the original voice of the show from its launch in 2013, showcasing her dry wit and clever observations.
Caroline turned to Craig during her difficult time and made a special request of him, asking if he could take over if she became too ill to continue.
BAFTA award-winning actor Craig revealed to the Radio Times: "In November 2013, when she was gravely ill with cancer, Caroline asked if I'd narrate Gogglebox when she wasn't up to it. Of course, I said yes; it was a very sad time and I wanted to do right by her and by the programme. Caroline was well and then unwell, well and unwell, so I filled in whenever she needed me to."
Craig stepped in as a relief host when Caroline took time off for treatment and continued to stand it for her whenever she needed him in her final years. Following Caroline's passing, Craig, who gave a speech at her funeral, took over her Gogglebox voiceover role permanently, respecting her final wishes.
Ricky Tomlinson, who played Caroline's onscreen dad Jim Royle in the beloved Mancunian sitcom, was deeply affected by her loss and has previously spoken out about his regret that they never managed to arrange a final reunion amongst Royle Family castmates.
Opening up during a 2016 interview with the Mirror, Ricky shared: "[Caroline's brother] Patrick said she was in good spirits last time we spoke. We were planning to meet in a pub in Manchester where I was doing a little talk two weeks ago, but he didn't show up. Someone said: 'Everything's fine. He's gone back to Spain'. And I thought that's good... she must be on the mend because he wouldn't have gone away if she was ill."
Just weeks before the tragic loss of Caroline, Ricky shared a touching moment with fellow actor Craig, reminiscing and even making plans to reunite with her.
Recalling their conversation, Ricky revealed: "Craig told me 'She's not bad, Ricky'. And I was so pleased. I'm a bit of a bloody weepy and I wouldn't get in touch with her, see. I'd start crying. So I've not seen her properly, other than the odd event, since we worked together. But I spoke to Craig and we were going to get together."
For anyone affected by cancer seeking support or advice on anything from health concerns to financial worries, Macmillan Cancer Support is just a call or click away. Reach out to them on 0808 808 00 00 or visit macmillan.org.uk for any questions you might have, big or small
