Nine Mrs Merton questions that no one would have the guts to ask now

Caroline Aherne, the comedy actress and writer, has died at the age of 52 from cancer.

She was well known for the sitcom the Royal Family and for her wonderful character, Mrs Merton - the anchor of a spoof chat show where Aherne asked questions few people would dare while in the guise of an elderly woman. Here are just a few of the brilliant questions she asked that few people would have the guts to now.

1. To Ant and Dec

Is it lovely being up this late?

2. To Debbie McGee:

What was it that first attracted you to millionaire Paul Daniels?

3. To Melinda Messenger:

You're more than a pair of bosoms aren't you? Because you won rear of the year last year, didn't you?

4. To Steve Coogan:

Older people have no idea who you are. Who are you, Steve?

5. To Barbara Windsor:

Do you think it was a mistake, putting on EastEnders and setting it in London?

6. To Bernard Manning:

You are racist, aren't you Bernard?

7. To Martin Clunes:

The lovely thing about you is you've got that lovely gormless face. That must be handy, acting wise?

8. To Germaine Greer:

You were a right old slapper in the seventies, weren't you?

9. To Andrew Neil:

The paper is all sex, sex, sex isn't it? Is that what you're paying for, Andrew Neil?

More: Caroline Aherene dies from cancer, aged 52