BBC viewers emotional over 'moving' Caroline Aherne documentary eight years after death

BBC audiences were deeply saddened by a documentary about Caroline Aherne's passing.

Caroline passed away in July 2016 at the age of 52 due to lung cancer. She gained fame for her portrayal of the memorable talk show host Mrs. Merton, and she also played Denise in The Royle Family, a show she co-created with Craig Cash.

Last night, BBC Two showcased a moving documentary about Caroline's life, highlighting the gifts she brought to the world through her comedy and acting. Caroline was celebrated for being a pioneer in her industry.

One viewer expressed their feelings by saying, "I always feel a bit sad when I think about Caroline Aherne; she was such a gifted woman." Another viewer commented, "As I watch the Caroline Aherne documentary on BBC2, I'm amazed by her talent, which was lost far too soon."

Caroline appeared in The Royle Family alongside Craig Cash, Ricky Tomlinson, Ralf Little, and Sue Johnston. -Credit: BBC

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One user wrote, "The documentary about Caroline Aherne remains heartbreaking even after all this time on @BBCTwo," while another commented, "That documentary on Caroline Aherne was touching; she was truly a genius."

At the same time, Craig Cash was filled with emotion as he recalled the moment Caroline called to bid him farewell after learning she had just two months left to live. In addition to co-writing The Royle Family, they also played a married couple, Denise and Dave Best, on the show.

He remembered, "I was really in denial. I kept insisting it wasn’t true, just repeatedly saying no. Denial has its own power. Then she said, 'But we did share some good moments, didn’t we, Cashy?' Before she broke down in tears and walked out."

Caroline Aherne came into the world in 1963. -Credit: Getty

Caroline photographed in 1997 - Photo credit: mirrorpix

In 2014, Caroline partnered with Macmillan Cancer Support to enhance cancer treatment in Manchester. Reflecting on the initiative, she shared, "Both my brother and I have experienced cancer, so we understand its impact on individuals and families. They've reached out to me to participate, and I’m pleased to help raise awareness among the people of Manchester about the shortcomings in cancer care. Our survival rates are 25% lower than the national average, and the incidence of lung cancer is a third higher here compared to other regions in England."

Her brother Patrick mentioned that she received her diagnosis "sometime last year" and explained that "the type of lung cancer she is dealing with is hereditary and connected to the retinoblastoma she had when she was an infant."

You can now watch "Caroline Aherne: Queen of Comedy" on BBC iPlayer.