We're still processing the news that the inimitable talent that is Caroline Aherne is no longer with us. We can't even begin to explain how much The Royle Family shaped us growing up and how we still to this day quote the show when we're sprawled out on a couch with our respective families. 'Did you have your tea?' 'What'dya have?' will always be a pertinent conversation starter. And we'll never look at a buffet, with vol-au-vents and crisps without thinking of her.
In a touching tribute, Noel Gallagher - who was a close friend of Caroline's for the last twenty years - performed the classic Oasis hit 'Half the world away' while on tour with his band The High Flying Birds. This song was the familiar soundtrack at the beginning of each episode of The Royle Family, and it always had the power of quietening down the chit-chat as we knew we were about to be treated to some TV gold.
‘I want to dedicate the next song to a friend of mine who died this afternoon,’ he said to his Nashville crowd. ‘Her name was Caroline and she was a very very very funny woman.’
Earlier that day he also took to Instagram to share his respects for the Bafta-winning star. ‘RIP Kaz… I shall sing for you tonight. (My god you made us laugh!).’
My god, she certainly did.