At 86, Ricky Tomlinson, best known for playing the hapless manager Mike Bassett in the 2001 mockumentary Mike Bassett: England Manager, remains as busy as ever. He firmly rejects retirement, joking that his wife is trying to put him in a nursing home, but he prefers to stay active. He says he genuinely loves working and entertaining crowds across the country.
Mike Bassett and the England vs Mexico World Cup Match
Tomlinson's iconic role has taken on added significance as England prepares to face Mexico in the World Cup last-16 on Monday morning, UK time. In the film, England lose to Mexico 4-0, a scene that continues to be widely quoted. Tomlinson convinced as a hopeless manager out of his depth, and the role remains one of his most celebrated comedic works.
Return to Brookside and Stage Shows
In October 2025, Tomlinson made a highly anticipated return to television by reprising his classic soap opera role as Bobby Grant in a crossover episode of Brookside celebrating the 30th anniversary of Hollyoaks. Longtime fans were thrilled to see him back in the role that helped launch his career.
Throughout 2025 and 2026, he has been touring the UK and Ireland with his live stage show Retirement My Ar*e!. During these intimate theatre events, which often start at 8pm or feature afternoon matinees at 2pm, he shares candid stories from his life alongside longtime collaborator Asa Murphy.
Musical Comedy and Children's Book
Tomlinson has also been starring as a celebrity guest in the smash-hit musical comedy Irish Annie's, which embarked on a 30-venue nationwide tour in 2025. He plays himself in the pub setting, noting that the feel-good show always gets the audience up on their feet to sing and dance.
Stepping into the literary world, he recently wrote a children's novel called Maggie and Jack and the Rusty Key, inspired by bedtime stories he tells his grandchildren. He launched the book at The Florrie in Liverpool, handing out free copies to local schoolchildren and leading a festive singalong.
Hometown Ambassador and Music Video Cameo
Tomlinson continues to serve as a passionate ambassador for his home city of Liverpool. In late 2025, he officially reopened the city's Epstein Theatre. He remains fiercely protective of the area and supports local causes, including sending boxes of his books to Alder Hey Children's Hospital.
In July 2026, he made a surprise appearance in the music video for Jamie Webster's new single, Small Town Life. This collaboration reunited the veteran actor with the popular Liverpool songwriter. They previously shared the stage together in front of 32,000 fans at Sefton Park during the summer of 2024.
