Ricky Tomlinson and Sue Johnston reunite to explore Liverpool in new TV series

National TV treasures Ricky Tomlinson and Sue Johnston have joined forces to showcase all Liverpool has to offer, as part of a brand new More4 series.

Ricky, Sue & a Trip or Two brings the much-loved pair together as they take three special road trips to explore some of the places that have helped shape their lives. Following their very first appearance as on-screen husband and wife in Brookside Close more than 40 years ago, Ricky Tomlinson and Sue Johnston went on to play beloved couple Jim and Barbara Royle on The Royle Family and, most recently, shared a sofa on Celebrity Gogglebox.

Now, their new three-part series, which is produced by Liverpool-based LA Productions and Nine Lives Media in Birmingham, sees the duo visit places that hold cherished memories, as well as discovering new spots together.

The first episode, which airs on Tuesday 19 March at 9pm, takes viewers on a journey through Liverpool, as Ricky and Sue kick off their road trip with a visit to where their story began, Brookside Close, playing Bobby and Sheila Grant for six years. 

Mathew Street’s iconic Cavern Club is next on their list, with stop-offs at the Georgian Quarter and the home of Liverpool Football Club, Anfield. Plus, the pair sample a spot of Liverpool’s bustling nightlife with an outing to Bongo’s Bingo.

Ricky, who has lived in Liverpool almost his whole life, said: 

“Sue and I have had a lot of laughs and a lot of memories over the years. This new series gives us a chance to put the world to rights as we explore places treasured to us and to many others around Britain.”

Following their trip to Merseyside, Ricky and Sue head to the Midlands for a trip to a theatre in Coventry where Sue tread the boards as a young actress, before travelling to Birmingham in search of the perfect curry.

The episode also includes a powerful visit to Shrewsbury Prison, where Ricky served time in the 1970s. He received a full pardon 48 years later.

Sue said:

“I feel people will enjoy seeing Ricky and I together and telling stories. Ricky is very funny!

“Also they will learn things about us both that they didn’t know before, how we’ve lived our lives away from each other. We visit remarkable places that I’m sure people will love. It’s fun, and we hope it will make you smile.”

The series’ third and final episode sees Ricky and Sue take a tour of North Wales, reminiscing about their childhood holidays and experiencing all that the region has to offer.

From driving a steam engine on the Ffestiniog Railway to taking a cookery lesson in Colwyn Bay and challenging world champion hurdler Colin Jackson to a race in Llandudno, the pair take viewers on a whistlestop tour of the very best spots. 

Ricky, Sue & a Trip or Two is commissioned as a result of Channel 4 and Create Central’s linear unscripted development initiative More4 the West Midlands, a partnership launched in April 2022 to forge stronger relationships between West Midlands’ indies and Channel 4 Commissioning to create more opportunities for creative talent in the region. 

Executive producer Colin McKeown, from LA Productions, said:

“Ricky and Sue are true national treasures and have an undeniable chemistry – seeing them work together and how they bounce off one another is incredible.

“We’re thrilled to be bringing this new series to viewers and extremely proud that its first episode is right here in Liverpool, exploring the places that are most special to this iconic pair.”

Jazz Gowans, Creative Director at Nine Lives Media, said:

“It really is a ‘pinch yourselves‘ moment to be working with the phenomenal Ricky & Sue – and to make this out of the West Midlands as Nine Lives Birmingham partnering with LA Productions just adds to how special this is for us. 

“Ricky and Sue truly shine on screen as they take us through a hilarious, moving and hugely entertaining grand tour of the places and the people that have a special place in the hearts of this genuine televisual, joyous royal couple.” 

Ricky, Sue & a Trip or Two will air at 9pm on Tuesday 19 March on More4.

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