Only Fools and Horses, created by John Sullivan, first aired in September 1981 and followed the Trotter family in a Peckham high-rise as they tried to become millionaires. The show's 1996 Christmas special, 'Time on Our Hands', saw Del Boy and Rodney finally strike it rich by selling a pocket watch for over £6 million, drawing 24.3 million viewers – nearly half the UK population at the time – and setting a record for a comedy TV show in Britain.
David Jason as Del Boy
Sir David Jason played Del Boy from 1981 to 2003. After losing his fortune in a Central American stock market crash, Del Boy returned to Peckham. Now 86, Sir David has focused on writing memoirs, including 'This Time Next Year' (2024) and 'A Del of a Life: Lessons I've Learned' (2020). He is also known for roles in 'The Darling Buds of May', 'A Touch of Frost', and 'Open All Hours'. He married Gill Hinchcliffe in 2005, and they have a daughter, Sophie Mae. In 2023, he discovered a long-lost daughter, Abi Harris.
Nicholas Lyndhurst as Rodney
Nicholas Lyndhurst, who played Rodney, has also starred in 'Goodnight Sweetheart' and 'Going Straight'. He recently joined the revived 'Frasier' as Alan Cromwell, which started in 2023. He told Radio Times: "I'm just here for the duration of the show, and I'll go home to the UK afterward. But it is absolutely wonderful to be here for now." He married Lucy Jane Smith in 1999; their son Archie died in 2020 from a brain haemorrhage. Nicholas now enjoys a quiet life in West Sussex with hobbies like diving and beekeeping.
Roger Lloyd Pack as Trigger
Trigger, played by Roger Lloyd Pack, was a beloved character known for his dim-witted remarks and his broom that had 17 new heads and 14 new handles. Lloyd Pack also appeared in 'The Vicar of Dibley' and 'Harry Potter and the Goblet of Fire'. He died of pancreatic cancer on January 15, 2014, at age 69, at his London home.
John Challis as Boycie
John Challis first appeared as Boycie in the second episode. After the main show ended, he starred in the spin-off 'Green Green Grass' (2005-2009) with Sue Holderness. He also had roles in 'Benidorm' and other sitcoms. Challis died of cancer on September 19, 2021, at age 79, having been diagnosed in 2019.
Lennard Pearce as Grandad
Grandad, played by Lennard Pearce, was a fan favourite until Pearce's death from a heart attack in 1984, aged 69. His character was written out, and a funeral episode introduced Uncle Albert.
Gwyneth Strong as Cassandra
Gwyneth Strong played Cassandra, Rodney's wife. She recently appeared in 'Casualty' and has had roles in 'EastEnders' and 'Midsomer Murders'. She married actor Jesse Birdsall in 2000 and has two children.
Tessa Peake-Jones as Raquel
Tessa Peake-Jones played Raquel, Del Boy's love interest, from 1988 to 2003. She has since starred in 'Grantchester' and is set to join 'Bergerac'. She was in a long-term relationship with Douglas Hodge, and they separated in 2012.
Buster Merryfield as Uncle Albert
Buster Merryfield joined the cast in 1985 as Uncle Albert, known for his catchphrase "During the war". He died of a brain tumour on June 23, 1999, at age 78. His character was written out in the special 'If They Could See Us Now'.
Only Fools and Horses is available to stream on ITVX.
