Only Fools and Horses star barely recognisable in new movie role 20 years after sitcom’s finale
While he may be best known to sitcom fans as Denzil Tulser, actor Paul Barber is back on-screen in a very different role.
In Only Fools and Horses, the actor’s alter-ego was the lovable – if at times gullible – pal to David Jason’s Del Boy and his money-making schemes.
But in 2023, Barber has taken on the role of Spiceman in the feature-length drama Love Without Walls.
While Denzil wasn’t particularly famous for donning the latest high-end suits like John Challis’ Boycie, he still looks worlds away from his old character in his latest part.
In a new still released from the movie, Barber’s Spiceman can be seen donning a khaki military-style jacket as he goes to light a cigarette.
He’s also ditched Denzil’s shorter cut for longer dreads and sports an unshaven stubble on his face.
Spiceman’s look is completed with the addition of a black beanie as Barber looks a lot more disheveled in the role than he ever did as Del Boy’s pal.
The movie itself sounds like a gripping affair as its synopsis reads: “A young married couple struggle when made suddenly homeless in this emotionally charged British drama, set in a recognisable social setting.
“(It) tells a story of love attempting to survive in the face of adversity.”
Barber is joined by a number of recognisable faces from the world of British drama within the cast as well.
Alongside Barber are the likes of BAFTA-winner Adam Deacon, Call The Midwife’s Niall McNamee, and EastEnders star Joan Hodges in the film.
Barber appeared in 18 episodes of Only Fools during his two-decade tenure on the sitcom from 1983 to 2003.
Since he said to goodbye to East London in the cult classic show, he’s gone on to enjoy stints in other series like Death in Paradise, Doctors, Home from Home, and Casualty.
However, earlier this year he got to revisit another of his classic characters from one of the ’90s’ biggest films.
Paul Barber pictured in June this year
Barber reprised the role of Horse after Disney+ released an all-new series based on The Full Monty.
It gave the actor and his fellow castmates such as Mark Addy and Robert Carlyle the opportunity to revisit the much-loved film over 25 years on from its release.
