Caroline Aherne's 'best interview question ever' to Debbie McGee is still absolutely brutal nearly 30 years later

Caroline Aherne dropped her most brutal interview question ever almost 30 years ago.

The late actor and comedian, best known for portraying Denise Royle in The Royle Family, passed away in 2016 from lung cancer.

She spent 26 years in the spotlight, starring in her own chat show The Mrs Merton Show from 1995 to 1998.

One of her most memorable episodes sees her alter ego Mrs Merton, dressed up as a pensioner, drop a savage question to her guest Debbie McGee.

During the episode, McGee was asked about her partner and magician Paul Daniels, and the host did not hold back.

After Mrs M welcomed her guests to the sofa, she wasted no time in asking: "So, what first attracted you to the millionaire, Paul Daniels?"

The audience erupted and the clip has since been shared on social media thousands of times.

Caroline Aherne dropped her most brutal interview question ever (BBC)

"I sometimes think in discussions about who the funniest female comedian of all time is, Caroline gets forgotten about or placed lower down than she should be, which is terrible because she never missed….. not even once," one fan commented.

Another added: "The importance of fellow guest Kris Akabusi's reaction is also criminally overlooked imo."

However, fans also pointed out that Daniels and McGee, once the magician's assistant, lived a long and happy life together.

McGee, 66, was married to the magician for 30 years before he died from a brain tumour aged 77 in 2016.

Debbie McGee also saw the funny side (BBC)

Though the impact Aherne has made in British comedy will always be remembered, as tributes poured in following her death.

"Absolutely devastating news about Caroline Aherne. A true comedy genius, her work was equally funny & touching," David Walliams said at the time.

While McGee added: "Just heard the very sad news about Caroline Ahearne she was wonderful especially as Mrs Merton. My interview will be a treasured memory RIP."

"My comedy hero has died. What a valiant battle she fought. Loved you Caroline Aherne," penned Denise Welch.

As Star Wars actor Mark Hamill wrote: "I'm devastated at the loss of brilliant writer/actor Caroline Aherne #TheRoyleFamily was a masterpiece! #GoneTooSoon."

At the time, her publicist Neil Reading said: “Caroline Aherne has sadly passed away, after a brave battle with cancer.

“The BAFTA award-winning writer and comedy actor died earlier today at her home in Timperley, Greater Manchester. She was 52.”