Only Fools And Horses’ Sir David Jason, 81, reveals his favourite episode that brings him to tears
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Sir David Jason has revealed his favorite episode of Only Fools And Horses and the gripping scene that almost brings him to tears.
The 82 actor, who was famous for his legendary portrayal of Derek ‘Del Boy’ Trotter in the BBC sitcom, has brought back fond memories of the show in his new book The Twelve Dels Of Christmas.
In quotes obtained by The sunhe recalled “the sheer fun” of the 1989 special, The Jolly Boys’ Outing, and spoke of the late John Challis in “a world that is past.”
Sir David Jason, 82, has revealed his favorite Only Fools And Horses episode and the poignant scene that almost brings him to tears
John died “quietly in his sleep” at the age of 79 last September after a long battle with cancer and was best known for his portrayal of used car dealer Boycie – a cigar-smoking businessman who made headway with Del Boy.
In the book, David notes, “It’s the sequence that plays Harry Nilsson’s Everybody’s Talkin’ as we see the cast boarding the bus to Margate, and the high jinks of the day begin to unfold.”
“The magic of Only Fools is compressed into this single sequence – the group of friends the cast had become, and the sheer fun of it all. And of course so many of those faces are no longer with us.’
Jolly Boys’ Outing: Famous for his legendary portrayal of Derek “Del Boy” Trotter in the BBC sitcom, the actor has brought back fond memories of the show in his new book.
Reminiscences: In quotes obtained by The Sun, he recalled “the pure pleasure” of The Jolly Boys’ 1989 special, and spoke of the late John Challis in “a world that’s gone” (John center right)
He continued, “Today the glimpse of John Challis reaching out to wipe my hat is so poignant that I almost have to close my eyes, and it’s all a world gone.”
Sir David explained that the scene sums up the relationship between the cast members and exactly what it felt like to work on the show.
The series six episode of the sitcom shows the group heading to the annual Jolly Boys Outing to Margate, where Rodney is arrested and the coach’s radio – supplied by Del Boy – causes the vehicle to catch fire.
Disaster: The episode shows the group heading to the annual Jolly Boys Outing to Margate, where the coach’s radio – supplied by Del Boy – causes the vehicle to go up in flames
The actor described his Only Fools and Horses co-star John Challis as “a gentleman in the truest sense of the word” as he paid tribute to the actor after his death.
In a statement, Sir David said: “It is with great sadness to hear that John Challis, a dear friend, has passed away.
“He was a wonderful actor, a gentleman in the truest sense of the word and I know he will be missed by so many.”
Sad: John died ‘quietly in his sleep’ at age 79 last September after a long battle with cancer (pictured in 2018)
Characters: John was best known for his portrayal of used car dealer Boycie – a cigar-smoking businessman who made headlines with Del Boy (pictured together in series four in 1985)
He added: “A character so loved by the many fans of that show, so I’m glad he witnessed the outpouring of admiration shown recently for the 40th anniversary of the premiere episode in 1981. I’m sending my love and condolences to his wife, Carol.’
John had canceled a 30-date speaking tour earlier that same month after just one performance due to ill health.
It comes after Sir David said he would “love” to reprise his role as Del Boy, 40 years after Only Fools And Horses premiered.
Fun: In the book, David notes, ‘It’s the sequence that plays Harry Nilsson’s Everybody’s Talkin’ as we see the cast boarding the bus to Margate
Disturbingly, he continued: ‘Nowadays the glimpse of John Challis reaching forward to wipe my hat is so poignant that I have to practically close my eyes (John on the left, David on the far right)
On set: John pictured in 2011 alongside Sue Holderness playing his on-screen wife Marlene Boyce
The actor last appeared in character in July 2021 to wish Gareth Southgate and the England team the best of luck in the Euro 2020 final.
Before that, he starred in a 2014 Sports Relief sketch called Beckham in Peckham, in which Del tried to sell underpants called Golden Balls that were endorsed by David Beckham – starring the footballer as himself.
Sir David said to: The sun that he wants to put on his flat cap one more time and take up his role as a wheeler again.
The show ran for a decade between 1981 and 1991, and the show has had multiple specials since it aired.
Tribute: Sir David described his Only Fools and Horses co-star John (pictured) as ‘a gentleman in the truest sense of the word’ as he paid tribute to the actor after his death