Ricky Tomlinson was feeling rough in 2007. Probably would’ve ignored it like most blokes do. But Rita Cumiskey wasn’t having it. Made him see a doctor. Good thing, too, as he needed quadruple heart bypass surgery.
Doctors said if he’d waited much longer, that would’ve been it. Rita literally saved his life by paying attention and being pushy about it.
Who’s Rita?
Rita Cumiskey worked as a social worker in Liverpool before she married Ricky. Spent years helping women escape domestic violence, setting up refuges, and working with kids from rough backgrounds. The kind of work that doesn’t get you on telly but actually matters.
She’s from Liverpool, with a working-class background. Born in the early 1960s, she is now in her early 60s, about 20 years younger than Ricky, who’s 86. They got married on January 4, 2003. Twenty-two years this January.
People made a fuss about the age gap when they got together. They’ve been married longer than most couples half their age.
Before Ricky
Ricky was married before to Marlene Tomlinson. Twenty-four years, three kids: Gareth, Katie, and Clifton Tomlinson. That marriage ended badly in 1986.
Marlene talked to papers in the 90s about working in a bacon factory whilst Ricky was on Brookside earning proper money. She felt skint whilst he was becoming famous. Not great.
Clifton Tomlinson died in 2005 at the age of 34. Ricky and the whole family were devastated. Marlene was ill herself but looked after Clifton through his final days. Rita helped too, even though she’d only been in the family a couple of years.
Rita met Ricky in 2002. He was already Jim Royle by then, properly famous. But she wasn’t bothered about that. They got married the next year.
The Private Life
Rita Cumiskey doesn’t do social media. No Instagram, no Twitter, nothing. She married one of Britain’s most famous actors and stayed completely out of the spotlight.
Most celebrity wives get photographed constantly, do magazine interviews, and launch brands. Rita does none of it. There are barely any photos of her online. That’s deliberate.
She’s got two kids from her previous marriage to John Durston: Tony and Claire. Ricky’s got his three from Marlene Tomlinson. Between them, loads of grandkids. Rita keeps everyone connected, organises family stuff, and does the work that keeps families functioning.
Supporting Ricky
Sue Johnston and Craig Cash from The Royle Family know Rita. They’ve seen how she keeps Ricky grounded. She doesn’t manage his career or anything like that. She just makes sure he’s alright, which, when you’re as famous as Ricky, is harder than it sounds.
Everyone wants something from famous people. Rita doesn’t want anything except for him to be healthy and happy.
The Social Work
Rita Cumiskey ran educational programmes for young people in Liverpool. Worked in women’s shelters. Helped families who were struggling. She was known in the community for actually giving a toss and putting in the hours.
She still does charitable work now, just quietly. Donated to organisations helping girls’ education in Africa. Served on boards for groups supporting domestic abuse victims. Fundraises for causes she believes in.
But there are no press releases. No photos at charity galas. She just does it because it matters.
Life Now
In November 2025, they’re still married. Twenty-two years in January. Ricky’s 86 but still working. Did a special Brookside episode in September 2025, playing Bobby Grant again. Did that travel series with Ralf Little in 2020.
Rita’s there through all of it. Not on camera, not seeking attention. Just living her life the way she wants.
Rita Cumiskey’s age puts her in her early 60s. No Wikipedia page. Barely any online presence. Most articles about Ricky mention her in one sentence, if at all. She prefers it that way.
What She Actually Did
Worked as a social worker helping vulnerable people for years. Saved her husband’s life in 2007 by making him see a doctor. Kept a blended family together for two decades. Supported one of Britain’s most famous actors without making it about herself.
Did all that without seeking credit, without posting online, without giving interviews.
Most celebrity partners now launch businesses, build brands, and chase followers. Rita chose privacy over fame, real work over publicity. That’s rare. Especially now when everyone’s trying to be an influencer.
Her net worth is estimated at around £1 million, mostly from being married to Ricky. But she’s not bothered about money. She’s bothered about doing things that matter, such as her social work, her family, and keeping Ricky alive and well.
When Ricky does interviews, he always credits Rita. He says he wouldn’t be here without her. He means it literally—the heart bypass thing—and figuratively. She’s kept him grounded through decades of fame.
That’s Rita Cumiskey. Not famous, not trying to be. Just a woman from Liverpool who worked hard, helped people, and saved her husband’s life. More impressive than most things you’ll see trending online.