The Royle Family star Ricky Tomlinson has insisted that he is nothing like his character in the show.

Although he expertly portrays dirty-mouthed, belching and wind-passing Jim Royle in the show, that part of the character disgusts him.

He told Loaded magazine: "To save my life, I couldn't bring myself to break wind in front of a woman. I'd be so embarrassed if I let one slip out in female company.

"Hand on heart, no woman has ever heard me break wind. Even with fellas, I wouldn't have it in my company. Last time, I took the man aside and said, 'Watch your manners, you dirty, smelly b**tard!'"