Only Fools and Horses icon slams 'cruel' modern comedy: 'I don't find it funny!'

Lydia Davies
Wed, 15 Apr 2026 19:40:59 +0000

Tessa Peake-Jones has criticised modern comedy as "cruel", arguing it lacks the warmth that made Only Fools and Horses a lasting success.

The 68-year-old actress, best known for playing Raquel in the BBC sitcom, said the show’s appeal comes down to its heart.

"I think that it endures because John's writing has got so much heart," she said.

"Some of the comedy today seems to be having a go at other people. It can be quite cruel in a way that I don't find funny personally."

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Ms Peake-Jones appeared as Raquel in the Peckham-set comedy from 1988 to 1993, later returning for specials between 2001 and 2003.

As the sitcom approaches its 45th anniversary since first airing in 1981, she said she remains surprised by its continued popularity.

"We still all get letters from teenagers just discovering it," she revealed to the I Paper.

"It's amazing that people are still watching."

Ms Peake-Jones suggested the show's timeless nature continues to resonate with younger audiences despite the decades since its original run.

The programme followed half-brothers Derek "Del Boy" Trotter and Rodney as they pursued money-making schemes across south London.

Del Boy was played by Sir David Jason, while Rodney was portrayed by Nicholas Lyndhurst.

Despite its comedic tone, Ms Peake-Jones said filming was often far from light-hearted.

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She recalled intense rehearsal schedules and nerves among the cast ahead of live studio recordings.

"If people had seen us backstage before the show, they'd have seen people pacing up and down the corridors with nerves, including David and Nick," she said.

"We cared so much, and we wanted to get it right, but one slip-up of a word could ruin that laugh."

The actress will reunite with her former co-stars for a two-part U&Gold documentary titled Only Fools And Horses: The Lost Archive, featuring new interviews and previously unseen footage.

Sir David Jason, now 86, has also spoken about the project with enthusiasm.

"The love for Only Fools has never faded," he said.

"It's incredible to see how many people still hold it close to their hearts."

He added: "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."