Sir David Jason reveals that he WOULD come back as wheeler dealer Del Boy for one last Only Fools and Horses stint – but there’s one thing missing
The 76-year-old actor feels the show wouldn't be the same after the death of writer John Sullivan
SIR David Jason has revealed that under the right circumstances, he would return to the role of Del Boy one last time – but there’s something getting in the way.
The legendary actor, 76, believed that following the death of writer John Sullivan, the chances of it coming to pass is slim.
Speaking at the launch of Cirque du Soleil’s Amaluna at London’s Royal Albert Hall, he said: “It would be good to do Only Fools and Horses but we haven’t got a writer, if we had the wonderful writer, the lovely John Sullivan, we would I tell you!”
However, he soon added: “But we haven’t got a writer, and my partner Nick has gone on to do other things, so you’re stuck with Open All Hours!”
John Sullivan passed away from viral pneumonia in 2011 at the age of 64.
The role of Del Boy Trotter – the Peckham wheeler dealer who lives in a highrise flat with his dim-witted brother Rodney, his granddad and his Uncle Albert – has become one of the actor’s most iconic roles.
Only Fools and Horses remains to this day one of the BBC’s longest ever running comedies – lasting 65 episodes between the years of 1981 – 2003 and spanning seven series and sixteen specials.
The last time David and Nicholas appeared as Del Boy and Rodney was in a sketch for ‘Sport Relief’ that aired in March 2014.
It was written by John’s sons Jim Sullivan and Dan Sullivan using previously unused material penned by their father – and featured David Beckham recreating the legendary moment Del Boy fell through a bar door.
However, despite believing that no more episodes will be made, he has reunited with Nichola Lyndhurst, who played ‘plonker’ Rodney, for a new documentary, titled The Only Fools and Horses Story.
The new special will be a retrospective with some of the previous cast looking back on the making of the show and what it was about the show that made it so iconic.
He said: “We’re doing ‘The Story of Only Fools…’ the final one and only. When we did it we enjoyed it so much but we didn’t quite know what success we were having; we knew it was good, we had a good time, and we loved it.
“But it’s still going on, new audiences are enjoying it as much as the original and long may it continue.”
He added: “I’m also filming my life story so hopefully you’ll be watching that and then I’ll be doing more ‘Open All Hours’. They’re keeping me very busy, so I’m sorry Hollywood but you’ve missed your chance this year!”
Got a story? email digishowbiz@the-sun.co.uk or call us direct on 0207 782 4220