David Jason, 84, slams modern-day television for including ‘too much swearing and vulgar language’ as he insists ‘young people today have given up on manners’

David Jason, 84, slams modern-day television for including 'too much swearing and vulgar language' as he insists 'young people today have given up on manners'

As a follower who has spent countless hours immersed in the captivating worlds created by Sir David Jason, I wholeheartedly agree with his sentiments about modern-day television. His experience spans decades and multiple iconic roles, giving him a unique perspective on the evolution of our beloved small screen.


Sir David Jason has criticized contemporary TV for featuring excessive profanity and crude speech.

The seasoned actor, aged 84, is most recognized for his memorable characters in the shows Only Fools And Horses and A Touch Of Frost. However, in a recent chat, he has expressed doubts about the use of explicit language in today’s television programs.

On the Plot Twist podcast, David revealed that while playing his iconic role as Del Boy, writer John Sullivan devised a series of insults for his character to use, as a way to circumvent the BBC’s decency guidelines outlined in their Green Book.

In simpler terms, Del Boy’s terms like “plonker,” “wally,” and “dipstick” have become iconic for the show. Later, David expressed the idea that shows should follow these old rules again to minimize excessive profanity on television.

He said: ‘I found a book of rules in my house, from 1947, and what it was, was a rule book for writers, directors, actors, you name it, from the hierarchy of the BBC telling you what you’re not allowed to say because you might offend people. 

David Jason, 84, slams modern-day television for including 'too much swearing and vulgar language' as he insists 'young people today have given up on manners'

Oh, how fascinating it would be to imagine some of the groundbreaking figures from history stepping into our modern world! Yet, ironically, while we honor their innovations and ideas, we’ve charted a different course. Instead of replicating the past, we’ve forged ahead, surpassing what they once knew and accomplished.

To work in television nowadays as part of the working class, it’s common to frequently use strong language or profanity.

Some of these expressions can be quite crude, as I see it. It seems everyone is employing them frequently, without pause.

Today’s youth often incorporate words and phrases once considered taboo into their everyday conversations, as these have found their way into common usage.

‘The problem with that is, is that you’ve given up manners and you’ve given up respect for your fellow man, for your fellow woman, because the argument was ‘but it’s in common use, it’s been there in Shakespeare’s time’, well that’s not good enough.

If you had strictly adhered to the rulebook today, there wouldn’t have been a performance. It seems to me that we’ve strayed quite a bit from abiding by those rules.

To adhere to a specific code of conduct, performers such as writers, actors, and directors were instructed: Any discussion regarding religion or religious individuals was strictly prohibited in your work.

During the interview, David mentioned that he declined an invitation to participate in Strictly Come Dancing in 2021, explaining, “I chose not to go for several reasons. Primarily because I have two left feet. Oh well, it seems like the public missed out on a great opportunity.

David Jason, 84, slams modern-day television for including 'too much swearing and vulgar language' as he insists 'young people today have given up on manners'
David Jason, 84, slams modern-day television for including 'too much swearing and vulgar language' as he insists 'young people today have given up on manners'

Recently, David criticized individuals within the entertainment world who are excessively self-centered and fail to acknowledge the contributions of those working alongside them.

On “This Morning,” he criticized some of his fellow celebrities for being self-centered and impolite, without specifically naming whom he was talking about, as he kept quiet about the details.

He said: ‘And the reason that has imprinted itself in my mind, is that I do hear stories – no names – of certain members of our entertainment industry who are very selfish and rude and can be selfish, rude, to the point of being vulgar. 

Essentially, what this means is that they do not value their team. They behave as if they are the only important one, saying things like, “It’s all about me. I’m well-known, you just stay there while I get my close-up, don’t focus on them!

He also recently called out Hollywood stars that are ‘extremely difficult’ to work with, as he revealed the touching gift he was given by his late friend Ronnie Barker. 

On The Chris Moyles Show, David shared that Ronnie was an exceptionally kind individual. Moreover, he disclosed that the departed celebrity had presented him with a touching gift upon his retirement.

He exclaimed: “However, what stood out most about Ronnie B was his generosity towards the entire team, a trait I discovered.

He understood that the key to creating a successful show lies in involving and motivating your team. Therefore, he made sure to give everyone his attention, and he was both open-hearted and generous with his time.

Additionally, it’s worth noting that many prominent figures from Hollywood are often challenging and hard to deal with.

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2024-10-31 13:09

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