Sir David Jason has declared that the nation's affection for the classic BBC sitcom Only Fools and Horses has 'never faded', as he reunites with former cast members for a major new documentary project. The beloved actor, who played Derek 'Del Boy' Trotter, is spearheading the two-part series, Only Fools and Horses: The Lost Archive, which will celebrate the show's 45th anniversary with never-before-seen behind-the-scenes footage.
The Lost Archive and a legendary partnership
The new series, set to air on U&GOLD in 2026, promises to be a treasure trove for fans, delving into the archives to showcase the making of the iconic comedy. A central hope for the project is the involvement of Jason's on-screen brother, Nicholas Lyndhurst, who portrayed the hapless Rodney Trotter. The award-winning duo, who became household names and amassed a global following through their portrayal of the loveable Peckham market traders, have a complex off-screen history that has long fascinated the public.
Addressing the 'feud' rumours and a changing friendship
In recent years, speculation about a rift between the two stars has circulated, fuelled by Jason's own candid remarks. In 2022, he noted that Lyndhurst had become "much more self-contained" and admitted, "unfortunately, we don't see each other as much as I'd like to." This stood in contrast to Lyndhurst's 2017 comments where he emphasised their strong working relationship and how they "always had each other's back" during the intense filming schedule.
However, Jason has directly addressed and dismissed rumours of a genuine feud. In his memoir, 'My Life', he explained that stories often cited as evidence stemmed from a staged, playful argument between the pair meant to amuse themselves and prank the crew during a lull in filming. "It was a play fight, a wind-up, a practical joke," Jason clarified, attributing the persistent 'feud' narrative to a misunderstanding of this anecdote.
Support through tragedy and enduring respect
The bond between the actors was profoundly tested and demonstrated following the heartbreaking family tragedy suffered by Nicholas Lyndhurst in 2020. His 20-year-old son, Archie, died from a brain haemorrhage brought on by acute lymphoblastic leukaemia. During this period of immense grief, David Jason was reported to have been a steadfast pillar of support for Lyndhurst and his wife, Lucy, maintaining regular contact and offering whatever comfort he could.
Despite the natural distance that has grown between them in daily life, Jason's professional admiration for his co-star remains undimmed. During a Channel 5 documentary, he lavished praise on Lyndhurst, stating, "You couldn't have had a better co-partner than Nick. We liked and respected each other so much, we were genuinely good friends." This enduring respect forms the foundation for their anticipated collaboration on The Lost Archive.
The announcement of this new documentary series serves as a powerful testament to the lasting legacy of Only Fools and Horses. As Sir David Jason prepares to delve back into the world of Del Boy and Rodney, he brings with him a clear message: the love for the show, its characters, and the partnership that made it magic, truly has never faded.
