Sir David Jason Unveils "Only Fools and Horses" Filming Secret
Beloved British actor Sir David Jason recently shared a behind-the-scenes secret from the iconic series "Only Fools and Horses," which continues to captivate audiences more than four decades after its debut.
Charlie Kennedy
- 2023-12-27
- Updated 06:59 PM ET
(NewsNibs) - The series, set in Peckham, follows the comedic endeavors of market traders Del Boy and Rodney Trotter, along with their Grandad Trotter and later, Uncle Albert. Uncle Albert, particularly memorable for his naval war stories that inevitably ended in disaster, became a show favorite alongside other characters such as Mickey Pearce, Boycie, and Trigger. Despite its age, "Only Fools and Horses" maintains a cherished place in British pop culture.
Sir David Jason's Expensive Reveal
During a Christmas special, Sir David Jason, who portrayed the quick-witted Del Boy, divulged details of an expensive scene from the episode "To Hull and Back." With an episode budget of 850,000 pounds, expectations were high, and the production did not disappoint when it ventured into a high-budget sequence featuring Del Boy, Rodney, and Uncle Albert embroiled in an improbable sea adventure.
The trio, finding themselves in Amsterdam with troubles aplenty, decided to rent a boat. The most costly joke occurred when they unknowingly circled an oil rig in the North Sea, prompting Del Boy to loudly inquire, "Hey, which way to Holland?" This scene, though lasting a mere 40 seconds, required a substantial 12-hour journey to the filming location and back, highlighting the lengths to which the creators went to deliver authentic humor to their audience.
Legacy of Laughter Continues
The revelation of such an extravagantly funded venture underscores the show's dedication to its craft, as well as the enduring love and nostalgia that fans hold for "Only Fools and Horses." The series not only provided laughter but also a testament to the golden era of British sitcoms, with Sir David Jason's anecdote serving as a reminder of the show's unique blend of character-driven comedy and ambitious production values.