Can understand those that didn't find it funny,it takes someone extremely talented to make a show like the royal family work for the length of time it has been running.I still think Jim Royle is an extremely funny character and can relate to him so much because my old man is a whinging old git who doesn't want to leave his arm chair!
I think the problem with shows like these is when too many major characters up sticks and leave.Nana,Anthony and his mate,Cheryl, and even her parents,used to add so much to the mix.None of those characters we're in the new Christmas special,add to that the introduction of Dave's parents and there you have the answer to a lot of people's dislike of the latest offering of the Royle family.
Just like shamless,too many good people left,replaced by poorer characters.