THE Royle Family could be heading back to their TV sofa, the BBC confirmed this afternoon.
It was reported this morning that comedy star Caroline Aherne is writing a new script.
While there’s no confirmation of that, the BBC has just told me that The Royle Family may be returning.
“We are in early talks about a Royle Family special but nothing is confirmed,” they said.
If the project goes ahead, it will be filmed in Manchester.
The last one-off special of the award-winning Wythenshawe-set comedy was screened in October 2006.
Almost eight million viewers watched the hour-long film – The Queen of Sheba – which saw the death of Nana, played by Liz Smith.
The script was written by Caroline, who plays Denise, along with Heaton Norris co-star Craig Cash (Dave) and Phil Mealey.

Caroline is set to play a small role as a barmaid in Sunshine, the new BBC1 comedy drama currently being filmed on location in Stockport and Salford.
It stars Middleton’s Steve Coogan and is co-written by Craig and Phil, who were also the team behind hit comedy Early Doors.
The Royle Family, which was made for the BBC by ITV Granada, was first screened in 1998 and ran for three series and three specials.
Originally filmed in Manchester, later series were made in London
But the last episode, also starring regulars Ricky Tomlinson (Jim) and Sue Johnston (Barbara), was filmed back in the city.
The set, including the Royle sofa, remains in storage in case any further shows are made.
The Royle Family Blogs.