Sir David Jason slaps down Nicholas Lyndhurst rift rumours with brilliant response to Only Fools probe

Sir David Jason slaps down Nicholas Lyndhurst rift rumours with brilliant response to Only Fools probe

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Alex Davies

By Alex Davies


Published: 23/12/2023

- 09:02

Updated: 29/01/2024

- 18:56

The duo fronted Only Fools and Horses for over two decades

Del Boy star Sir David Jason has spoken out on his relationship with co-star Nicholas Lyndhurst two decades after the final Only Fools episode aired.

The 83 and 62-year-old played Trotter brothers Derek and Rodney in over 60 episodes of the hit sitcom, providing laugh after laugh for viewers.


However, in the decades since the final episode aired in 2003, reports of a rift between the two have circulated.

Jason has said previously he and Lyndhurst don't stay in contact that often and that the Rodney actor keeps a "very low profile".

But reflecting on their bond and their working relationship in a new documentary, Jason appears to have put any rumours of a feud to bed.

Speaking in the brand new documentary which will air this Christmas on Channel 5, Jason said: "You couldn’t have had a better co-partner than Nic.

Del Boy and Rodney Trotter

Del Boy and Rodney Trotter in Only Fools

GETTY

"We liked and respected each other so much, we were genuinely good friends," he surmised.

Jason had previously told the Radio Times: "He’s much more – how can I say? – self- contained, perhaps, than he used to be.

"So, unfortunately, we don’t see each other as much as I would like to.

"But that’s how things work out sometimes."

Despite keeping the relatively low profile that Jason spoke of since Only Fools' finale, Lyndhurst has recently made a return to screens.

The actor appears opposite Kelsey Grammer in the new Frasier reboot, taking on the role of British professor Alan.

The reboot has gone down a storm in the US and it also paid a touching tribute to Lyndhurst's son Archie who died at the age of 19 in 2020 of an Intracerebral Haemorrhage caused by Acute Lymphoblastic Lymphoma/Leukaemia.

And similar to Jason, Grammer has nothing but praise for Lyndhurst following his on-screen comeback.

Nicholas Lyndhurst

Nicholas Lyndhurst keeps a 'low-profile' after Only Fools

GETTY

While speaking of the reboot, he told Deadline: "And then, of course, there’s Alan, played by a dear friend of mine, Nick Lyndhurst.

"He’s stealth warfare. He is just the sneakiest most talented actor I’ve ever worked with. We worked previously together in London on the musical, Man of La Mancha.

"We made plans to get [our partners] together and we became best friends. So when the idea of Frasier having a best friend came into the mix, it was always Nicholas.

"I asked him when we were back in England before we even started if he would like to be in the new Frasier. He said, 'Are you kidding? I would do anything to work with you again every day for the rest of my life.' The feeling is mutual."

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