Ricky Tomlinson, the beloved star of Brookside and The Royle Family, recently shared his passion for community engagement and literature during a visit to a local school in Liverpool. On November 20, 2023, he presented his new children’s book, Maggie and Jack and the Rusty Key, to delighted schoolchildren from Matthew Arnold School at The Florrie, a community centre in the heart of the city.
Despite celebrating his 86th birthday, Tomlinson remains energetic and committed to his craft. He has had a particularly busy year, reprising his role as Bobby Grant in a one-off return of Brookside and touring the UK and Ireland alongside collaborator Asa Murphy. In an exclusive interview, he expressed his desire to keep working, stating, “I love working. I’d go anywhere at the drop of the hat because I love it. What else would I be doing at 86?”
Tomlinson’s love for Liverpool shines through in his words, especially when discussing the city’s reputation. “The only time I ever lose my temper is if I hear people slagging Liverpool off,” he remarked. “I say, ‘I don’t know what you’re talking about. You’ve never been there; you don’t know who the people are.’”
Community Engagement and Holiday Spirit
During his visit, Tomlinson embraced the festive spirit, reading from his new book and leading a singalong of “Rudolph the Red-Nosed Reindeer.” He highlighted the importance of community events, saying, “I love kids and I love Christmas. I love this place, The Florrie. It’s like a beacon of light because everybody goes through a bit of a bad patch, and this place is always open to anybody.”
Tomlinson’s book, inspired by his grandchildren, aims to bring joy to young readers. “They come and stay with us every third or fourth weekend. Before they go to bed, I’ll read them a story,” he explained. “So I called the book after them, and they’re thrilled to bits.” He highlighted that the primary motivation for writing is to spread happiness, even if financial gain is not the focus. “You don’t make any money,” he quipped. “If people out there are thinking of writing children’s books, then forget it.”
In a gesture of goodwill, Tomlinson plans to donate copies of the book to Alder Hey Children’s Hospital, believing that it can provide comfort to young patients during their stays. “There’ll be kids who will be in the hospital for a month, and they can pick up a copy of the book and read a chapter,” he noted.
Reflecting on Life’s Journey
Tomlinson’s journey has not been without its challenges. He served two years in prison following the 1972 builders’ strike, a period he describes as “scarred” but ultimately transformative. In 2021, he successfully cleared his name in the Court of Appeal, allowing him to reflect positively on his past. “It left me scarred. If I had to do it again, I would do it again,” he said, recalling the difficult conditions of his imprisonment.
These experiences have instilled in him a deep appreciation for life and community. “That’s why I love every day. Seeing those kids’ faces and hearing them singing,” he said. “They don’t know who I am from Adam, but that’s what I like about it.”
Tomlinson’s ongoing commitment to community events and children’s literature exemplifies why he is regarded as a national treasure. His work not only entertains but also enriches the lives of many, reminding everyone of the joy found in sharing stories and experiences.
