Two renowned actors REJECTED Only Fools And Horses’ Del Boy role before David Jason scooped the iconic part

Two renowned actors REJECTED Only Fools And Horses' Del Boy role before David Jason scooped the iconic part

As an ardent fan of British comedy and the inimitable Del Boy, this revelation about the iconic role’s near misses leaves me utterly astounded! I can scarcely imagine Only Fools and Horses without David Jason, but to think that it could have been Jim Broadbent or even Enn Reitel is a mind-boggling concept. The rich tapestry of British television history is truly fascinating, with each actor’s life experience weaving into the fabric of beloved characters.


Before Sir David Jason, two well-known actors initially turned down the opportunity to play the famous character Del Boy in Only Fools And Horses, a role that eventually became his.

Jim Broadbent, a 75-year-old Academy Award winner, shared that he was one of two actors considered for the role of Del Boy, but he had to decline because of scheduling conflicts with his other projects.

Prior to Jim and David being given the well-known role, Enn Reitel, aged 74, was initially the producers’ preferred choice for portraying Del Boy. However, he wasn’t keen on taking up the part.

On The Graham Norton Show, Jim revealed the authentic cause behind their dismissal.

He said: ‘Originally, I was the second choice for Del Boy.

Two renowned actors REJECTED Only Fools And Horses' Del Boy role before David Jason scooped the iconic part

Two renowned actors REJECTED Only Fools And Horses' Del Boy role before David Jason scooped the iconic part

Initially, Enn Reitel was my preferred pick, but he declined, and I couldn’t take up the offer since I was already performing in the West End at that time.

He quipped that thanks to David Jason’s availability, his own unavailability has become a significant addition to British culture.

After Sir David openly expressed his genuine remorse about the character he played on Only Fools and Horses, he confessed that the part continues to torment him in some way.

84-year-old actor openly shared his genuine emotions during an honest conversation on BBC Breakfast with Jon Kay, as seen on Tuesday.

The Touch of Frost star explained that the character has overshadowed his other work.

David shared with the program that he believes the spirit of Derek Trotter seems to be shadowing him, elaborating that the character seems to loom over him.

He said: ‘That Derek Trotter thing, he’s a bit of a ghost that comes along behind me like A Christmas Carol.’

The star expressed frustration that despite a decades-long career in film and television he is most know for playing Del Boy. 

Two renowned actors REJECTED Only Fools And Horses' Del Boy role before David Jason scooped the iconic part
Two renowned actors REJECTED Only Fools And Horses' Del Boy role before David Jason scooped the iconic part
Two renowned actors REJECTED Only Fools And Horses' Del Boy role before David Jason scooped the iconic part
Two renowned actors REJECTED Only Fools And Horses' Del Boy role before David Jason scooped the iconic part

He mentioned that the character merely causes minor inconvenience and slight frustration, as it appears to be the sole aspect people recall about him.

I’m thrilled that my work has touched so many lives through the character, and they seem to appreciate it. Yet, it feels as though people overlook the various other projects I’ve been involved in. It seems as if I’ve solely portrayed Derek Trotter in their minds.

In simpler terms, David shared that although he’s not displeased with his career, there are numerous aspirations he has yet to fulfill, which he attributes to being constantly reminded of his most famous role by its lingering influence.

The star explained: ‘My real disappointment or regret, if you like, is I always wanted to be a National Theatre player. 

I’ve harbored a long-held dream of performing on the grand stage of the National Theatre. The idea of being part of such large-scale productions alongside esteemed actors always seemed so romantic to me. Regrettably, that opportunity never materialized for me.

When Jon mentioned he could yet fulfill his aspiration of performing on stage, Jason countered by implying that maybe his chance had passed, pointing out that his memory wasn’t as sharp as it used to be.

He mentioned, “I’m curious if my old memory will suffice. If necessary, I can use teleprompters.

Instead of appearing to dispel his gloomy disposition, he subsequently addressed the camera in a jovial manner: “Hello! Indeed, I’m ready for the National Theatre!

Two renowned actors REJECTED Only Fools And Horses' Del Boy role before David Jason scooped the iconic part

His admission comes after the star revealed he would take up his famous role again. 

At the beginning of the year, David expressed his readiness to play Del Boy once more; however, he noted that it’s uncertain if there will be a reboot since the primary writer of the popular TV show, John Sullivan, sadly passed away in 2011.

He expressed to The Sun his desire for a potential reboot: ” frankly, we’re quite eager for it to take place as we, and many other Britons, truly enjoyed it. Consequently, we’d be thrilled to work on it again.

However, he noted that another episode of Only Fools and Horses might not be possible since its creator, Mr. John Sullivan, has sadly passed away.

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2024-10-10 00:25

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