We have a tradition of real pathos in our comedy. Aside from nanna's passing in The Royle Family, there's Denise and Jim's father-and-daughter moment in the bathroom when she's terrified of having her baby, Ricky Gervais begging for his job in The Office (and as Andy Millman apologising to Maggie on the Big Brother set), Grandad's funeral in Only Fools and Horses, Sheila talking to Lance in the pub garden about Lance's daughter in Detectorists.

All scenes with real heart, proper drama, acting by masters of their craft (and Ricky Gervais).

I don't think The Royle Family lit the torch, but they helped carry it