Only Fools and Horses star reflects on iconic Del Boy role ‘It never worked out’

This comedy sitcom Only Fools And Horses followed the lives of two brothers who buy and sell almost anything, including dodgy goods, believing that they will someday get rich doing so. Leading actor Sir David Jason, who played Derek “Del Boy” Trotter co-starred alongside Nicholas Lyndhurst as Rodney Trotter. Set on London’s rough Peckham estate, the pair became an instant hit with audiences. In a recent interview, Sir David has opened up about his iconic Del Boy role and the nation’s love for the British sitcom which “still holds today”.

The flat cap wearing wheeler-dealer has continued to be at the “heart” of the show.

Speaking about his character, the 82-year old actor confessed: “He’s Mr Everybody.”

He told Gold: “We can all relate to him.

“Like him, we all think we can become millionaires and that will be the solution to all our difficulties, but of course, it never works out.”

Only Fools and Horses: The show is set to make a comeback for its one-off 25th anniversary special (Image: BBC / Getty)

Only Fools and Horses: The sitcom still continues to draw in viewers (Image: BBC)

Only Fools and Horses aired for the last time on the BBC in 1991 and yet the show remains a British favourite.

Showrunner John Sullivan who had also written shows such as Citizen Smith and Just Good Friends had been described as “the Dickens of his generation”.

Sir David paid a sweet tribute to the creator and gushed over his “amazing” ability to write stories.

He beamed: “He [John] was so talented at being able to create a very clever story in each episode.”

He added: “It always had a kick in the tail.”

Only Fools and Horses: Rodney and Del Boy Trotter won the hearts of the nation (Image: BBC)

During a 25th anniversary special with its UKTV broadcaster Gold, the legendary actor appeared in a one-off series The Story Of Only Fools And Horses.

Candidly, the TV star confessed it took him a while to accept the offer which had been attempted many times before. 

But, luckily for the die-hard fans, Sir David accepted the long-awaited offer of a show comeback with its final outing. 

Explaining how he came to his decision, Sir David revealed: “I thought it would be a good idea to do a once-and-for-all, definitive series about it, and that would be it.”

Reaching wider audiences, the Del Boy actor claimed his famous catchphrase had reached countries across the globe.

He quipped: “I’ve heard of people in other countries who don’t speak English, but who will still say ‘lovely jubbly’ to British tourists.”

Encompassing everything Cockney, Del was humorously known for his broken French quotes, usually said completely out of context, along with his legendary catchphrases.

Some of his most memorable lines included “Cushty”, “This time next year, we’ll be millionaires” and “He who dares, wins!”

When reaching a younger audience, Sir David had no doubt the popular comedy show would continue to appeal to all generations.

The actor gushed over the characters who “strike a chord” with viewers regardless of age.

He explained: “The characters are universal.

“Today there are whole new generations of viewers watching repeats of Only Fools and Horses on UKTV’s Gold, and they’re all loving it!”