Only Fools and Horses legend reveals he’s had lifesaving cancer operation – and has one last wish for the sitcom
ONLY Fools and Horses favourite Patrick Murray says his recent cancer op saved his life – and one of his greatest wishes now is to revive the sitcom with co-star Sir David Jason.
The actor, who played Mickey Pearce in the BBC1 classic, thanked Professor Nigel Heaton — the surgeon of footballer George Best — for removing half his liver, which contained a tumour.
He now hopes he’ll be declared cancer-free at his next scan, leaving him clear to work with Sir David, who last year said he would be up for playing Del Boy one last time.
Patrick said: “I’d love it. Getting together again and with all the cast and seeing how all the characters have developed.
“Mickey will probably have a little Mickey running around. If the quality of the script was there, I imagine the others would be up for it too.”
Patrick is confident a reboot could work, despite the deaths of the series’ writer John Sullivan, as well as John Challis, who played Boycie, and Trigger actor Roger Lloyd Pack.
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He said: “John Sullivan was such a great writer, but his son Jim is really good and I’m sure he could achieve it.”
Jim wrote seven episodes of spin-off The Green Green Grass and co-wrote the Only Fools West End musical.
Patrick discovered a new tumour while having chemotherapy on his lungs, sparking his operation last week.
He said: “I had the same surgeon as George Best, Professor Nigel Heaton, and he was delighted with the outcome as the tumour wasn’t in a good place. So I’m eternally grateful to him.
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“Amazingly, the liver will grow back in four weeks — I couldn’t believe it when he told me.”
It was revealed on Friday that Nicholas Lyndhurst would feature in the reboot of US sitcom Frasier, after taking time away from acting following the death of his son Archie, 19, in 2020.
Patrick admits he’s unsure if Nicholas would reprise his role of Rodney Trotter.
He said: “He’s had a tragic time of things, losing his son. I can’t imagine what he’s gone through. Archie was so young. And he was a good lad.”
After so much pain and loss, it would be great if a reboot could bring a little joy for the comedy’s cast.
PIXIE’S BIG DAY PISTE UP
PIXIE LOTT looks just groovy baby in a £1,470 Pucci all-in-one for her apres ski-themed 32nd birthday party with her friends.
It was the second round of celebrations after she visited restaurant Sparrow Italia in Mayfair with her family a few days before.
The Voice Kids coach was also celebrating another big year for the festive show, after 3.2million tuned in to see one of her team, 14-year-old Israella Chris, crowned the winner less than three weeks ago.
Pixie is riding so high, she didn’t even need to head to the slopes to get piste-up, instead joining her pals at a rooftop bar in London.
I think she would have been a bit warm on the Tube journey there, though.
HELENA’S BARKER AND BITE
HELENA BONHAM CARTER has laid into TV bosses for their treatment of veteran female stars.
The actress is particularly angry at the BBC for axing Sue Barker as host of A Question Of Sport in 2020 after 24 years, despite good ratings and being a hit with viewers.
The screen legend told Radio Times: “When Sue Barker left A Question Of Sport she said that she wasn’t given a choice . . . I still think there’s a horrible age thing about women.
“Look at the men. It’s like: ‘You’re ancient!’ Why isn’t it, ‘time to move on’ for them?”
It’s a hot topic for Helena due to her lead role in upcoming ITVX drama Nolly.
It tells the story of Crossroads’ Noele Gordon, who was axed without warning after 17 years playing fan favourite Meg Mortimer.
TORODE IS BACK IN GEAR
IF John Torode wearing Lycra is your cup of tea, get set for a veritable breakfast buffet.
The telly chef is back in his skintight cycling gear to saddle up for another series of his Torode On The Road for This Morning.
This time, John will explore the coast of Northumberland, visiting the likes of Holy Island, which is accessible by a road that appears only at low tide.
Other spots include Bamburgh Castle and Howick Hall – the home of Earl Grey tea.
His past jaunts include a trip around Scotland and England’s Jurassic coast.
John told me: “I’m back on the road! With culinary delights from castle to countryside – Northumberland never tasted so good.”
The new series begins tomorrow from 10am on ITV1’s This Morning.
Good for you Selina
ONLY Murders In The Building star Selena Gomez has hit back at bodyshamers who commented on her appearance at the Golden Globes on Saturday.
The actress looked stunning in a strapless Valentino gown.
She said: “I’m a little bit big right now because I enjoy myself.”
Good for you Selina.
Boozer boosted by Ryan
WHEN Ryan Reynolds and actor pal Rob McElhenney took Disney+ cameras to North Wales, it did a lot more than just boost Wrexham AFC, the local football team they had bought.
Docuseries Welcome To Wrexham has also had a tidy effect on the town’s boozer.
Wayne Jones, landlord of The Turf, has told how Deadpool star Ryan offered his family free use of his £5million holiday home in upstate New York.
And It’s Always Sunny In Philadelphia actor Rob even gave the pub £6,000 worth of vintage whisky for Christmas.
The Turf’s tills are still ringing thanks to the series, with American fans besieging the pub when they come to visit the town.
Cheers to that!
Time to shine on 9, Sir Ian
THE cast of Bafta-winning black comedy Inside No. 9 already reads like a Who’s Who of British acting talent.
But the show’s creators and stars Reece Shearsmith and Steve Pemberton still have their sights on one more big name.
Steve said: “Sir Ian McKellen – we’d love to get him into an episode.”
Reece added: “But it would have to be a good part. We wouldn’t want to waste his considerable talents.”
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The show has already featured Sir Derek Jacobi, Sheridan Smith, Jenna Coleman, Adrian Dunbar, Keeley Hawes and many more.
I revealed last month how Reece and Steve plan to end Inside No. 9 after its upcoming ninth series.
DNA time
THE BBC is looking for candidates for a new series of DNA Family Secrets.
Bosses want those who are seeking answers about their ancestry to join presenter Stacey Dooley and her team of experts.
Email DNA@minnowfilms to find out more.