Comedian Lucy Beaumont has revealed her ambition to launch a campaign to create a lasting tribute to Caroline Aherne, the beloved writer, comedian, and creator of The Royle Family.
Lucy hopes to see a statue of Aherne erected in Manchester’s Wythenshawe, where Aherne spent much of her life.
Caroline Aherne statue
Sharing her intentions on social media, Beaumont expressed a personal commitment to the project, even pledging to contribute some of her own funds.
She emphasised the importance of the statue, saying: “The next project I want to do in the new year is raise money (I’ll put my own in don’t worry!) for a statue in Manchester for Caroline Aherne.
“It’s upsetting that this hasn’t been done yet, so I thought maybe it’s time I start it.”
Lucy, who has over 100,000 followers on X (formerly Twitter), plans to share more details about the campaign in the new year.
She acknowledged the challenges ahead, including obtaining council approval and working with an artist to create a design, but remains enthusiastic about the project’s potential.
Wythenshawe
Caroline Aherne, born in West London but raised in Wythenshawe from the age of two, became a household name thanks to her work on The Mrs Merton Show and The Royle Family.
She was a prominent figure in the Manchester comedy scene during the 1980s and 1990s.
Aherne passed away in 2016 at the age of 52 after battling cancer, leaving a legacy of warmth, humour, and creativity.
Fans and followers of Beaumont have already voiced their support for the tribute. One comment described the idea as “beautiful,” adding that Aherne’s unique talent and contribution to comedy deserve lasting recognition.
Lucy Beaumont intends to involve the wider community in the project, with more updates expected as plans develop.
This heartfelt effort aims to celebrate Aherne’s enduring impact and ensure her memory continues to inspire future generations.
So what do you think? Is this a good idea? let us know in the comments.
