Only Fools and Horses – the tragedy and heartache that has blighted lovable cast

Only Fools and Horses remains one of the country’s best-loved shows, despite its first episode airing over 40 years ago.

The sitcom ran for seven seasons, following the exploits of Del Boy and Rodney as they tried to buy and sell their way to riches.

While the show may have stood the test of time, many of the cast have tragically passed before their years.

Others have been blighted by family tragedies and serious health conditions.

We take a look at what has happened to the beloved characters.

Del Boy – David Jason

David Jason lived with his long-term girlfriend, Welsh actress Myfanwy Talog, for 18 years and nursed her through breast cancer until she tragically died in 1995.

In February 2001, he became a father for the first time at the age of 61 when his girlfriend, 41-year-old Gill Hinchcliffe, gave birth to a baby girl, Sophie Mae.

Jason and Gill married in 2005 and live in Buckinghamshire.

He made a surprise cameo appearance on the 2021 Christmas Special of Strictly Come Dancing in the role of Del Boy to pass on a special message to The Repair Shop’s Jay Blades, who was performing to the Only Fools and Horses theme tune.

Rodney – Nicholas Lyndhurst

Nicholas Lyndhurst, who played the beloved Rodney Trotter, lost his 19-year-old son to a brain tumour in 2020.

The 60-year-old has steered clear of the spotlight since his son Archie died, but was quick to deny rumours that the tragedy would keep him from acting ever again.

Representatives for Nicholas called the claims ‘ridiculous’ and said: “It is complete nonsense that Nicholas Lyndhurst is retired or retiring.

“Of course, he and his wife are devastated by the sudden loss of their young son but Mr Lyndhurst will continue his career with any parts and scripts that attract him.”

Boycie – John Challis

John Challis, who played Boycie, sadly passed away from cancer last year.

Boycie was a beloved character in Only Fools and Horses and was known for his a love-hate relationship with Del Boy.

On Sunday 19 September, his family announced that he had sadly died “peacefully, in his sleep”.

At the time, Sue Holderness, who played Boycie’s wife Marlene, wrote on Twitter: “Marlene without Boycie – it’s unthinkable. John Challis was my partner on screen and stage for 36 years and my beloved friend.

“R.I.P. darling John. I will miss you every day.”

Trigger – Roger Lloyd-Pack

Roger Lloyd-Pack, who played Del-Boy’s mate Trigger, passed away in 2014 from pancreatic cancer, aged only 69.

David Jason was quick to pay tribute to his friend: “I was very saddened to hear of Roger’s passing. He was a very quiet, kind and unassuming actor who was a pleasure to work with.”

Grandad – Lennard Pearce

Another actor from the show who passed too soon was Lennard Pearce who played Grandad.

Before his death, the actor was diagnosed with critical hypertension and had a number of health issues.

On December 15, 1984, Lennard suffered a second heart attack at his home and died instantly.

He is sorely missed by his fellow cast members.

Uncle Albert – Buster Merryfield

After Lennard Pearce’s death, Buster Merryfield was brought in to play Uncle Albert, a Royal Navy veteran.

Buster was one of the highlights of the show, leaving the nation in hysterics until his untimely death from a brain tumour in 1999.

Tributes were paid to the 78 year old, with Nicholas Lyndhurst calling him a “national institution” and David Jason hailing him as a “great man”.

Mickey Pearce – Patrick Murray

Patrick Murray, who played Mickey in the hit show, was recently told he wouldn’t make Christmas when he was diagnosed with cancer.

Patrick announced his devastating illness last week.

And now he has told the Sun newspaper: “The first primary diagnosis was actually a lot worse than what it was.

“It showed up a lot of red flags that I had a tumour on my liver and three metastatics – which is cancer of the blood.

“I was told it looks like I wouldn’t make Christmas.”