Behind-the-Scenes Antics of ‘Only Fools and Horses’ Stars Revealed

Sir David Jason, 84, and Nicholas Lyndhurst, 63, were more than just an iconic duo on the beloved television series “Only Fools and Horses”. Behind the scenes, their chemistry extended beyond the script, leading to numerous jovial escapades that left their colleagues both amused and anxious. Close friends of the actors have shared anecdotes, highlighting how Sir David affectionately referred to Nicholas as “Nick” and compared the pair to “a couple of silly Buddhas” due to their light-hearted interactions.

Their playful nature was evident during one particular live recording when they introduced a bag of bangers onto the set. According to accounts, the duo strategically placed the bangers among the stacked chairs and in the restrooms. When production assistant Tony Dow attempted to unstack the chairs, the bangers exploded, startling him. The laughter did not cease there, as Sir David and Nicholas found further humor when a cleaning lady nearly suffered the same surprise.

Pranks were a staple of their off-screen relationship, and team members on set recall instances such as faking disputes to puzzle the crew and nailing Grandad’s shoes to the floor. However, their practical jokes were not always well received. On one occasion, co-star Leonard Pearce, who played Grandad, refrained from working with them until they apologized for these antics.

Earlier this month, Sir David discussed the natural stopping point of the series “Only Fools and Horses” during a fan convention. The actor, who famously portrayed the character Del Boy, identified the 1996 Christmas special as a culminating moment for the series, noting it as the pinnacle of the storyline. “There was nowhere to go after the Trotters became millionaires,” he remarked, emphasizing the thematic journey of the characters which revolved around survival and familial interaction.

“Only Fools and Horses,” penned by John Sullivan, spanned from 1981 to 2003. Its final episodes saw characters Del Boy and Rodney, played by Lyndhurst, experiencing a return to simpler living after losing their sudden fortune. Sir David reflected on this, acknowledging the natural end of the series with the quote, “It wasn’t that John had run out of steam, but rather the narrative arc of the Trotters had reached its logical conclusion.”