Ricky Tomlinson and Sue Johnston have shared a remarkable bond for over 40 years, and their reunion on stage at the Shakespeare North Playhouse on July 10, 2026, proved their chemistry is as strong as ever. The national treasures, known for their iconic roles as Bobby and Sheila Grant in Brookside and Jim and Barbara in The Royle Family, sat down with the ECHO for an exclusive interview ahead of Ricky's 'Retirement: My A**e' tour.
A Bond That Stands the Test of Time
The 86-year-old Tomlinson and 82-year-old Johnston wasted no time in showcasing their trademark humour. When asked about their reunion, Tomlinson joked: 'As you know, she's in a nursing home now. I do my best. I go once a week and take her some apples.' Johnston retorted: 'Not at all,' when asked how much she looked forward to the show, prompting Tomlinson to add: 'She'd rather have a cup of cocoa and be put to bed. But we've got to look after our pension.'
Their playful banter reflects the deep respect and affection they hold for each other. Tomlinson said: 'We're the luckiest people in the world. We've had a lovely career on the stage and on the television. People love the characters we played.' Johnston echoed the sentiment, describing Tomlinson as a 'colossus' and a 'dear friend.'
From Brookside to The Royle Family
The duo first appeared together on screen in 1982 as the Grant family in Brookside, a groundbreaking soap opera. Their onscreen marriage continued in the beloved sitcom The Royle Family, where they played Jim and Barbara Royle. Tomlinson praised Johnston's talent: 'She's a boss actress. She takes it seriously and must have done to have worked with me because I hadn't done anything [before Brookside].' He recalled watching her in a two-hander play with Paul Copley, exclaiming: 'That's BAFTA material.'
Johnston, meanwhile, is set to return to screens on July 17, 2026, in the BBC show Ann Droid, starring alongside Diane Morgan. She compared Morgan to the late Caroline Aherne, creator of The Royle Family, saying: 'I love Diane Morgan. In many ways, she reminds me of Caroline Aherne. She's very funny, generous, kind and witty.'
A Legacy Beyond Entertainment
Tomlinson, who began his career as a plasterer and was imprisoned following the 1972 builders' strike as one of 'The Shrewsbury Two,' had his name cleared in the Court of Appeal in 2021. He wants to be remembered as a 'political prisoner who never give in.' He said: 'I'm one of the first political prisoners to get jailed and we didn't do it easy, we did it rough. The working class have some wonderful heroes and we don't celebrate them enough.'
Johnston hopes to be remembered as a 'good granny,' reflecting her pride in her personal achievements. Both remain active in their 80s, with Tomlinson noting: 'It's safe to say, we're both working actors. If a script comes in and it's any good at all, you say, 'We'll have a little go at that.''
Looking Ahead
The pair are looking forward to more projects and trips to Anfield to watch Liverpool FC together. Their advice for a long and happy life? Johnston said: 'Live your life. Work hard. Drink hard. Enjoy your life.' Tomlinson added: 'Have a lot of fun. We work hard but we have a lot of fun as well.'
Tomlinson's 'Retirement: My A**e' tour continues, with a performance at the New Brighton Floral Pavilion on August 29, 2026.
