Ricky: Liz was my favourite
LIZ Smith’s former Royle
Family co-star Ricky Tomlinson has paid tribute to the “absolutely lovely” actress following her death.
The 95-year-old TV and film veteran, who died on Christmas Eve, was hailed as “wonderful” and a beloved member of the sitcom’s family by Tomlinson.
Ricky said: “Actually, she was my favourite character in the Royles.”
Tomlinson, who played Jim Royle alongside Smith’s ailing Nana in the series, said: “We had a great time together and we were so close as a family.
“I was fascinated by her, really, really fascinated by her. The stuff I can’t even tell you about the out-takes, that me and Liz got up to, because it was hilarious.
“Because actually I thought she spoke rather eloquently, really nicely, whether she’d taught herself or been taught.
Joy
“She didn’t talk at all like Nana. She used to take the Mickey out of me for being a little bit rough.
“I really, really loved her. When you work as a unit together over two or three years like that, you do become a family.”
Another of Smith’s Royle
Family co-stars, Craig Cash, described her as “a real master of her craft”.
He said: “Liz was a real joy to work with. She could turn an ordinary line into an extraordinary one.
“You felt both reassurance and excitement when handing Liz a script. It was like handing the baton to Usain Bolt – you knew she wouldn’t just run with it, she’d practically fly.
Ralf Little, who played Smith’s grandson in the popular BBC programme, tweeted: “Devastating to lose two members of my second family in one awful year. RIP Liz Smith. Goodbye Nana. Xxx”