Sir David Jason has responded to the idea of reviving beloved sitcom Only Fools and Horses, saying that, sadly, it "just wouldn't work".

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Jason was speaking in this week's issue of Radio Times magazine alongside Jay Blades, with the pair discussing their new crafting show David and Jay's Touring Toolshed, when the prospect of an Only Fools and Horses revival was raised.

Blades said of the idea: "Oh, I’d love that. I want to be in it. I could be a long-lost nephew."

Jason responded: "You’d be long, long, long lost if you appeared in it. I’ve had offers over the years, but without John Sullivan [the sitcom’s creator, who died in 2011] it just wouldn’t work. He was a magician and could whip up humour out of virtually nothing – that was his genius. Without him, I don’t see it working, sadly."

Jay Blades and David Jason stood next to each other, smiling
David Jason and Jay Blades in David and Jay’s Touring Toolshed. BBC/Hungry Jay Media/Rosie Geiger

Only Fools and Horses initially ran between 1981 and 1996, before returning for three specials between 2001 and 2003.

Its success also led to two spin-offs, The Green Green Grass, which aired between 2005 and 2009, and Rock & Chips, a prequel which aired between 2010 and 2011.

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In 2022, Jason said of the series: "I miss it terribly. It wasn’t like going to work; it was going to have some fun with your mates. We loved each other."

He also said of his character, Del Boy: "I do morph into Del sometimes to make people laugh. I enjoy it. I realise it’s a pretty low shot, but it makes life easier for me on occasion. When I meet people sometimes, they’re a bit stiff and awkward to get on with!"

Jason's new series, David and Jay's Touring Toolshed, sees him and Blades "park up their toolshed at the UK’s air shows, steam rallies, county fairs and vintage festivals, to meet some of the UK’s most talented crafters, makers and tinkerers – as well as people who could use a little help".

Jamie George wearing an England rugby union playing top on the cover of Radio Times magazine
Six Nations 2024 Radio Times.

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Authors

James HibbsDrama Writer

James Hibbs is a Drama Writer for Radio Times, covering programmes across both streaming platforms and linear channels. He previously worked in PR, first for a B2B agency and subsequently for international TV production company Fremantle. He possesses a BA in English and Theatre Studies and an NCTJ Level 5 Diploma in Journalism.

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