David Jason responds after Only Fools and Horses cast reunion is finally confirmed

Sir David Jason has spoken out after it was confirmed that the cast of Only Fools And Horses will reunite.

The 85-year-old actor, who played Derek ‘Del Boy’ Trotter in the beloved sitcom, is set to front a two-part docuseries on U&GOLD for the legendary show’s 45th anniversary in 2026.

The new project, which is titled Only Fools and Horses: The Lost Archive, will feature behind the scenes footage that has ‘never’ been broadcast before.

Speaking about the new documentary, David said: ‘The love for Only Fools has never faded. It’s incredible to see how many people still hold it close to their hearts.

‘Revisiting these rediscovered moments reminded me just how special the show was – and still is. It’s incredible to be able to share them now.’

The new series will also feature interviews with cast and crew and include archival material from more than 10 classic episodes, including The Jolly Boys’ Outing and Mother Nature’s Son.

Scenes from episodes including He Ain’t Heavy, He’s My Uncle, Time On Our Hands will all also be shown, along with the opening scene of Del and Rodney in a nightclub from The Class Of ’62, which was previously thought to have been lost forever.

Alongside Sir David, Tessa Peake-Jones (Raquel), Gwyneth Strong (Cassandra), Sue Holderness (Marlene Boyce), Steven Woodcock (Jevon) and Denis Lill (Alan Parry) will all be featured.

Mike Jones, who is the co-author of Lovlely Jubbly, will also be seen in the series, which will pay tribute to creator John Sullivan, who died in 2011 at the age of 64.

The unseen clips have been digitally scanned and restored from 16mm negatives, meaning the cast now appear in high definition.

Speaking about the project, Sean Doherty, director and series producer, said: ‘Few shows have the kind of enduring popularity that Only Fools enjoys. The archive has uncovered some extraordinary material – 66 unseen clips and scenes so far that were filmed but never broadcast because they didn’t fit the timing or structure of the original episodes, plus nearly 100 assets from rushes and location filming.’

Helen Nightingale, UKTV’s head of factual and factual entertainment, commissioning, also added: “Only Fools And Horses is part of the national DNA. With its humour, heart and unforgettable characters, it’s British comedy at its very best.

‘This series is a celebration of its legacy and a chance to share new discoveries with the fans who’ve loved it for decades.’

The original sitcom, which produced two national treasures in Sir David and Nicholas Lyndhurst (Rodney Trotter) originally aired for seven series from 1981 to 1991, along with 16 Christmas specials over the years, before the show officially came to an end in 2003.

It followed the trials and tribulations of brothers Del Boy and Rodney, and their various money-making schemes.

Sir David previously admitted the role of Del Boy was something of a ‘ghost’ on his shoulder, albeit one that’s afforded him a great career.

‘My biggest reward has been having such a fulfilling career for so many years,’ he added to Radio Times last year.

‘That’s what drove Derek Trotter too; when he became a millionaire he didn’t have the same chase. He realised then that riches can be counted in so many ways. Although it does help to have a few ponies in the bank.’

This article was originally published on December 12, 2025.

Only Fools and Horses: The Lost Archive will air on U&GOLD in 2026.

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