Only Fools and Horses

‘Would’ve been ruinous’ David Jason on how BBC almost leaked Only Fools and Horses special

After 25 years, the legendary Del Boy and Rodney are still a hit at Christmas. Strapped for cash as ever, the comical duo first aired on the BBC in 1981. Starring Sir David Jason and Nicholas Lyndhurst, the long-standing sitcom came to an end after seven seasons. In the memoirs of Sir David, the actor opened up about behind the scenes drama ahead of the Heroes and Villains release.

In the much-loved festive special, the brothers believe they are going to a fancy dress competition.

The pair enter the contest while hoping to win a £1,000 speaker system as a prize, set out by the organisers.  

After careful consideration, Del Boy and Rodney comically decide to show up as the crime-fighting heroes Batman and Robin.

“Beyond this, of course, lies the extra joke that they are not…on their way to a fancy dress party,” he said. 

Only fools and horses Del Boy on chirstmas special
Sir David Jason: The actor talked about behind the scenes drama in his autobiography (Image: BBC)

Sir David told readers they were “actually bound for a wake.” unbeknownst to the pair as the organiser of the party had ԁıеԁ.

Highlighting the pressure the actors were under to keep their surprise a secret, the Del Boy actor claimed: “Even a glimpse of Del or Rodney in those stupid costumes before the episode was broadcast…

He stated: “Would have been ruinous.”

In Sir David’s memoir A Del Of A Life, which came out last year, he explained: “You may as well have shredded all the careful build-up.”

Jay Blades and Luba dance to Only Fools and Horses
Strictly Come Dancing: Jay and Luba danced a Jive to the BBC sitcom’s theme tune (Image: BBC)

The production team made an effort to shoot the scene at midnight to avoid any witnesses who may leak their disguise.

Speaking about the hit Christmas special, the 81-year-old actor said: “Once it was in the can, we had the clout to tell the BBC that nothing showing Del Boy and Rodney in those outfits should be leaked.” 

Speaking about the difficulties, the telly icon announced: “A picture in the paper could have spoiled it.”

While the papers were eager for a teaser, the Only Fools and Horses team had a top-secret mission to avoid any spoilers ahead of the show’s premiere over the holidays. 

Usually, the programme would have been filmed in London but to take extra precautions, they decided to film in Bristol.

The team also hired security guards, who cordoned off the area to avoid anyone getting close to where they were filming. 

After celebrating his 80th birthday, the national treasure shared his memories from his stellar career in show business.

The star continues to grace screens after BBC viewers saw David make an appearance on 2021’s Strictly Come Dancing Christmas special.

The Repair Shop’s Jay Blades had just finished his Jive with professional dancer Luba Mushtuk – where they scored 34 points from the judges.

The pair danced to the Only Fools and Horses theme song – Hooky Street – and they got a surprise message from the leading man of the much-loved British show.

Related Articles

Leave a Reply

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *

Back to top button