Sue Johnston has revealed she talks to a picture of her late friend and former co-star Caroline Aherne every day, ten years after Aherne's death. The 82-year-old actress, known for her role as Barbara in The Royle Family, says she only recently found the strength to re-watch the iconic show.
In a candid interview, Johnston discussed life, loss, and her refusal to retire. She also mentioned her friendships with the Prime Minister and, in the past, the Beatles. Weeks before her 83rd birthday, she is set to begin filming the second series of Ann Droid alongside Diane Morgan, a show that attracted nearly eight million viewers per episode.
A Daily Tribute to Caroline Aherne
Following Aherne's death from cancer in 2016, Johnston stopped watching re-runs of The Royle Family. She has only in the past few years been able to watch the episodes again. It is now 30 years since the BBC classic was created, and Johnston shared her feelings about the show's legacy.
"Everything about that show I adored, it was like it was yesterday," she told the Mirror. "I've got photographs on the wall. I've actually got one of Caroline at the bottom of my stairs. I make sure I say good morning to her every day. I miss her incredibly."
Johnston noted that people still stop her to share their favourite moments from the show. She also mentioned hearing about a potential documentary featuring younger actors playing the original cast. "I need to make some calls. I'm still friends with Ricky. I'm friends with them all, but I see Ricky all the time," she said.
No Retirement Plans
Johnston is looking forward to returning to the set of Ann Droid. "We had so much fun, I can't wait for the second series," she said. She also spoke about her age and energy, dismissing any thoughts of retirement.
"No, don't even mention the word, please!" she said playfully. "Do I feel my age? Oh in the mornings, yes. I do. If you could see me very early in the morning you would say 'oh yes, you can tell she's very nearly 83!'"
She added, "But I have a zest for life, I have an energy. I get more tired now, age does that to you, but I don't think because I'm in my 80s that I should be slowing down." Johnston mentioned her long-lived relatives, including an aunt aged 98 and another aged 94, and expressed hope that she will be around for a while.
Concerns About Technology and Wisdom
Johnston has teamed up with Maltesers for an 'Age Intelligence' panel, following research showing that 92% of Brits believe some wisdom can only be gained through lived experience. She expressed concerns about technology, including fake Instagram accounts in her name and the constant use of phones by her teenage grandchildren.
"There are two people being Sue Johnston on Instagram, and I don't know how to stop it - 'Sue Johnston OBE' and 'the real Sue Johnston'. Neither of them are me," she said. She also worried about the lack of talking and sharing, saying, "What do you do with all the wisdom when you're old if you can't share it? What's the point in accumulating it if you can't help people along the way?"
Johnston concluded, "I know how much I treasure talking to my friends. I seek advice from them and I am willing to give it back. There's a strength in that, and that's what I love about the campaign. The world is in a crazy place. I love to help other people, and guide them. They can tell me to get lost, but I can try at least!"
