Sir David Jason, the beloved star of the iconic British sitcom Only Fools and Horses, has opened up about the deep connections formed with his co-stars, describing them as a second family.
In a heartfelt revelation, the 83-year-old actor reflected on how the show's on-screen camaraderie translated into genuine lifelong friendships. "We weren't just colleagues - we became family," Jason shared during a recent interview.
The Peckham Clan That Stuck Together
The legendary comedy, which ran from 1981 to 2003, followed the misadventures of market trader Del Boy Trotter and his family in London's Peckham. Jason played the lovable rogue alongside Nicholas Lyndhurst as his younger brother Rodney and Lennard Pearce as their grandfather.
"When Lennard passed away during filming, it hit us all hard," Jason recalled. "That's when I realised these relationships went far beyond acting. We were mourning a family member."
Behind-the-Scenes Bonds
The cast's closeness extended beyond the studio:
- Jason and Lyndhurst developed a brotherly bond that continues today
- Cast members regularly socialised off-set
- They supported each other through personal challenges
"The magic you saw on screen came from real affection," Jason explained. "That's why the show still resonates - audiences could feel our genuine connection."
A Legacy That Lives On
Nearly 20 years after its finale, Only Fools and Horses remains one of Britain's most cherished sitcoms. Jason attributes this enduring popularity to the authentic relationships at its heart.
"We weren't just making people laugh," he said. "We were showing the warmth and chaos of real family life. That truth shines through."
Fans continue to celebrate the show's legacy, with cast reunions still drawing emotional responses from audiences who grew up with the Trotter family.
