Sir David Jason has broken his silence following the official confirmation of a major reunion for the cast of the legendary British sitcom, Only Fools and Horses. The beloved actor, famed for his iconic portrayal of market trader Derek 'Del Boy' Trotter, will front a special two-part documentary series to mark the show's 45th anniversary in 2026.
Unearthing The Lost Archive
The new project, titled Only Fools and Horses: The Lost Archive, has been commissioned by channel U&GOLD and promises to deliver a treasure trove of material never before seen by the public. Sir David, 85, expressed his delight at the enduring affection for the series, stating that revisiting the rediscovered moments highlighted how special the programme remains.
The documentary will feature a wealth of digitally restored, high-definition clips scanned from original 16mm negatives. According to series producer Sean Doherty, the archive has yielded 66 completely unseen clips and scenes that were filmed but never broadcast, often cut for timing reasons, plus nearly 100 other assets from rushes and location filming.
A Celebration of Legacy and Lost Scenes
Alongside the rare footage, the series will include new interviews with key cast members and crew, paying tribute to the show's late creator, John Sullivan, who died in 2011. Confirmed returning faces include Tessa Peake-Jones (Raquel), Gwyneth Strong (Cassandra), Sue Holderness (Marlene), Steven Woodcock (Jevon), and Denis Lill (Alan Parry).
Fans can look forward to archival material from over ten classic episodes, with specific highlights including:
- Scenes from The Jolly Boys' Outing and Mother Nature's Son.
- Moments from He Ain't Heavy, He's My Uncle and Time On Our Hands.
- The long-lost opening scene of Del and Rodney in a nightclub from The Class Of '62, previously thought to be gone forever.
A Permanent Place in the National Heart
Helen Nightingale of UKTV described the sitcom as 'part of the national DNA', praising its unique blend of humour and heart. The original show, which launched national treasures Sir David Jason and Nicholas Lyndhurst (Rodney), aired from 1981 to 1991 across seven series, followed by 16 Christmas specials before concluding in 2003.
Reflecting on the role that defined his career, Sir David previously told Radio Times that Del Boy was like a 'ghost' on his shoulder, but one that granted him a profoundly fulfilling professional life. He mused that the character's ultimate realisation—that riches come in many forms—mirrored his own gratitude for a lasting career, 'although it does help to have a few ponies in the bank.'
Only Fools and Horses: The Lost Archive is scheduled to broadcast on U&GOLD in 2026, offering a nostalgic and fresh look at one of Britain's most cherished television comedies.
