Sir David Jason speaks out as he confirms Only Fools and Horses reunion to mark major milestone

Production on the documentary is already underway, with the series promising a mix of behind-the-scenes footage and scenes filmed during production that never made it to air.

The BBC comedy, which first aired on September 8, 1981, became a defining role for Sir David and co-star Nicholas Lyndhurst, who played Del Boy’s younger brother Rodney.

Sir David said he was delighted to be involved in the project, reflecting on the show’s enduring popularity.

“The love for Only Fools has never faded. It’s incredible to see how many people still hold it close to their hearts,” he said.

He also spoke warmly about revisiting long-forgotten material that had been rediscovered after decades in storage.

“Revisiting these rediscovered moments reminded me just how special the show was – and still is. It’s incredible to be able to share them now,” he added.

Only Fools and Horses followed the misadventures of market trader Del Boy and his less worldly-wise brother as they chased dreams of wealth in Peckham, becoming a ratings phenomenon that drew 24 million viewers for its 1996 Christmas special.

In addition to the wealth of previously unseen footage, with archivists uncovering 66 clips and scenes that were filmed but never broadcast, nearly 100 assets from rushes and location filming have been recovered.

All footage has been digitally scanned and restored from 16mm negatives, allowing the cast to appear in high definition for the first time.

Viewers will see material from more than 10 classic episodes, including fan favourites The Jolly Boys’ Outing, Mother Nature’s Son and Time On Our Hands.

One highlight includes a long-lost opening scene from The Class of ’62, showing Del Boy and Rodney in a nightclub.

Footage featuring Bee Gees star Barry Gibb will also appear, with multiple retakes reportedly required as Sir David and Mr Lyndhurst repeatedly travelled along the river to capture the shot.

Several cast members have taken part in newly recorded interviews for the documentary, including Tessa Peake-Jones, who played Raquel, Gwyneth Strong as Cassandra, Sue Holderness as Marlene Boyce, Steve Woodcock as Jevon, and Denis Lill, who portrayed Alan Parry.

Behind-the-scenes contributors have also been interviewed, with director Tony Dow and editor Chris Wadsworth sharing their recollections.

The programme includes contributions from Lovely Jubbly co-author Mike Jones and Perry Aghajanoff, chairman of the Only Fools and Horses Appreciation Society.

Cast members will also pay tribute to the sitcom’s creator, John Sullivan, who died in 2011 aged 64.

The original ensemble featured Leonard Pearce as Grandad, Roger Lloyd Pack as Trigger, and John Challis as car dealer Boycie.

Reaction to the announcement has been rather mixed online, with some suggesting the beloved sitcom is best left alone.

“Impossible without John Sullivan’s writing,” one commentator wrote on X, while another penned: “Most of the cast are dead now!”

Others, however, welcomed the news. “That should be a delight to see,” one fan posted, while another added: “Yes please! Christmas Day isn’t the same without a new episode to look forward to.”

Director and series producer Sean Doherty said the archive had yielded remarkable material. “Few shows have the kind of enduring popularity that Only Fools enjoys,” he said.

“The archive has uncovered some extraordinary material – 66 unseen clips and scenes so far that were filmed but never broadcast because they didn’t fit the timing or structure of the original episodes, plus nearly 100 assets from rushes and location filming. We’ve truly been spoilt for choice.”

Helen Nightingale, UKTV’s head of factual and factual entertainment commissioning, described the sitcom as part of British culture.

“Only Fools and Horses is part of the national DNA,” she said. “With its humour, heart and unforgettable characters, it’s British comedy at its very best.”