For millions across the United Kingdom, Only Fools and Horses remains the pinnacle of British television comedy. First hitting screens in 1981, the show's hilarious and heartfelt portrayal of market trader Del Boy Trotter and his younger brother Rodney captured the nation's spirit. Decades later, the series continues to find new audiences through repeats, its legendary status untarnished.
From Peckham to the Present: The Legacy of a Comedy Giant
The show, created by John Sullivan, followed the endlessly optimistic Del Boy and the more cautious Rodney as they navigated life in Peckham with a series of doomed get-rich-quick schemes. Its unique blend of slapstick, sharp one-liners, and genuine pathos earned it a place in television history. It won numerous awards, including BAFTAs, and was voted Britain's Best Sitcom in a BBC poll.
While the show concluded in 2003, the lives of its iconic cast members have followed diverse and sometimes deeply tragic paths. Here is where some of the most memorable stars are today.
Sir David Jason: The Nation's Del Boy
Sir David Jason, who immortalised Derek 'Del Boy' Trotter, remains one of Britain's most cherished actors. His career spans other classic roles like Detective Inspector Jack Frost in A Touch of Frost and Granville in Open All Hours. His last on-screen acting role was in the 2019 revival of Still Open All Hours.
Now in his eighties, Sir David has stepped back from major acting roles, focusing instead on voiceover work for animation, a shift he attributes to difficulties with learning lines. In his personal life, he became a father for the first time at 61 when his partner, Gill Hinchcliffe, gave birth to their daughter in 2001. The couple married in 2005 and reside in Buckinghamshire.
Nicholas Lyndhurst: From Rodney Trotter to Frasier
Nicholas Lyndhurst, the beloved Rodney Trotter, has continued a successful acting career. Following Only Fools, he starred in sitcoms like Goodnight Sweetheart. In a surprising move for fans, he crossed the Atlantic in 2023 to join the cast of the revived American sitcom Frasier, playing Frasier Crane's old university friend, Alan Cornwall.
Lyndhurst's life away from the cameras has been marked by profound sorrow. He married former ballet dancer Lucy Jane Smith in 1999, and their son, Archie, was born in 2000. In a devastating tragedy, Archie died in his sleep in 2020 aged 19 from a brain haemorrhage linked to leukaemia. Lyndhurst now lives a quiet life in West Sussex with his wife, pursuing hobbies like beekeeping, scuba diving, and flying.
Supporting Cast: Careers and Changes
Tessa Peake-Jones, who played Del Boy's long-suffering love interest Raquel for 11 years, remains active on screen. She recently reprised her role as Mrs Chapman in the popular ITV series Grantchester, a part she has held since 2014. She was previously in a 29-year relationship with actor Douglas Hodge, with whom she has two children.
Gwyneth Strong, known as Rodney's wife Cassandra, continues to work primarily in theatre. Her most recent notable stage role was in the 70th-anniversary production of Agatha Christie's The Mousetrap. She is married to actor Jesse Birdsall, and they have two children.
Paul Barber, who portrayed the gullible friend Denzil, continues to act. His recent work includes the 2022 film Renegades and the 2024 horror The Baby in the Basket. In 2011, he was honoured with an honorary doctorate from Liverpool John Moores University.
Remembering Those We've Lost
The Only Fools family has also endured painful losses. Buster Merryfield, who played Uncle Albert, began his acting career at 57 after a life in banking. He brought the character to life with his famous "During the war..." stories until the show's end. He passed away in June 1999 after a battle with a brain tumour.
The cast's journey from the heights of comedic fame to personal trials underscores the enduring human story behind the laughter. Only Fools and Horses was more than a sitcom; it was a cultural touchstone, and its stars' lives reflect a mix of incredible success and profound resilience in the face of adversity.
