Sir David Jason was moved to reflect on his youth during an emotional reunion with his former Only Fools and Horses co-stars. The gathering was organised to mark the iconic sitcom's 45th anniversary and to view a treasure trove of previously unseen material discovered in the BBC archives.
A Poignant Reunion for a TV Legend
The 85-year-old actor, beloved for his portrayal of market trader Derek 'Del Boy' Trotter, met with fellow cast members including Gwyneth Strong, Sue Holderness, and Tessa Peake-Jones. The occasion was filmed for a forthcoming documentary special titled Only Fools And Horses: The Lost Archive, scheduled to air on UKTV's Gold channel in 2026.
During the reunion, the actors watched clips that had been left on the cutting room floor decades ago. Tessa Peake-Jones, who played Raquel Turner, described Sir David's reaction as "very, very poignant." She revealed to ITV's Lorraine that upon seeing one scene, Jason remarked, "Oh we were so young and successful back then," adding that his perspective was "quite depressing."
The Lost Archive: What Viewers Can Expect
The documentary series will showcase an extraordinary haul of rediscovered material. Series producer Sean Doherty confirmed the archive has yielded 66 unseen clips and scenes that were filmed but never broadcast, plus nearly 100 additional assets from rushes and location filming.
According to the cast, much of the material was cut simply because it wasn't deemed funny enough for the final edit. "Some of it was quite long scenes that were sad or moving," Peake-Jones explained. "In the general run of the whole thing when editing, they thought it just wasn't funny enough so it got cut. But people are going to see it now!"
An Enduring Legacy of British Comedy
The sitcom, which first aired in 1981 and ran for seven series before concluding with sporadic Christmas specials until 2003, remains a cornerstone of British popular culture. Sir David Jason commented on its lasting appeal, stating: "The love for Only Fools has never faded. It's incredible to see how many people still hold it close to their hearts."
Helen Nightingale, UKTV's head of factual commissioning, echoed this sentiment, calling the show "part of the national DNA" and praising its "humour, heart and unforgettable characters." This new series promises to be a celebration of that legacy, offering fans a unique behind-the-scenes look at the making of a television classic.
The discovery and broadcast of this lost footage underscore the show's remarkable endurance, following a successful stage musical adaptation that toured the UK and Ireland in 2024 and 2025.
