...directed by Craig Cash

Caroline Aherne is to make a rare TV appearance in a new comedy directed by her Royle Family collaborator Craig Cash.

The Mrs Merton creator has a guest role in Sky 1's new comedy After Hours, about a teenager stuck in a declining town.

Since the Royal Family series came to an end in 2000, Aherne has rarely been seen on TV. Aside from that show's five Christmas specials, she has only appeared in one episode of Cash's 2008 comedy-drama Sunshine and a Fast Show revival.

However her voice has been heard on Strange Hill High and narrating Channel 4's Gogglebox and BBC One's Pound Shop Wars.

After Hours revolves around a teenager, Willow, who's only sense of belonging comes from a late-night radio show.

Ardal O'Hanlon plays Willow's father, Pete, and John Thomson Pete's mate Geoff. Aherne plays Geoff's wife Sheila, who has thrown him out of the house.

Written by Molly Naylor and John Osborne, and also starring Jamie Winstone, After Hours starts on Sky 1 on November 2.

• Ardal O'Hanlon and John Thomson talk about After Hours.

Published: 14 Oct 2015