MILLIONS of TV viewers at the weekend heard how actor Ricky Tomlinson saved the night for young Bolton footballers -- and discovered the real popularity of his Royle Family character.

The actor was a guest on Michael Parkinson's late-night chat-show, and revealed how one evening he had a phone call from a friend in Bolton involved in junior football.

He told the star that he was at a football awards presentation for local youngsters. But the celebrity due to make the awards had not turned up and he asked Tomlinson if he could step in.

"It was 8pm," the actor told Parkinson. "I had just got in from work and I was tired. But I thought about it, and I decided OK, it would take me an hour to get to Bolton from Liverpool, but I would come."

Youngsters

When he got to Bolton, there were dozens of youngsters there waiting for him.

"You try to vary the way you make the presentation," explained Tomlinson. "You give the award with your left hand and shake hands with the right and say things like 'well done, son', 'well played, lad' or whatever.

"And, without exception, as I made the award to about 100 of these kids, each one replied 'my a***!'"

At which, the audience, Parkinson and fellow guests Billy Connolly and his psychologist wife Pamela Stephenson, erupted into laughter at this affirmation of Jim Royle's favourite phrase.

Unfortunately, the precise details of Tomlinson's mystery pal and the youngsters involved were not revealed.

Were YOU there on this special night? Ring the BEN Newsdesk on 01204 361270 or e-mail Chris Sudlow on csudlow@lancashire.newsquest.co.uk and tell us about it.