Sir David Jason is synonymous with Derek ‘Del Boy’ Trotter in the BBC classic Only Fools and Horses, but writer John Sullivan originally considered another actor for the part.
Harry Potter and Bridget Jones star Jim Broadbent revealed he was originally propositioned for the now-iconic role, but declined for one important reason.
Discussing his illustrious career on The Graham Norton Show in 2022, Jim, 75, remarked: “Originally I was the second choice for Del Boy.
“The first choice was Enn Reitel, but he didn’t fancy it and I couldn’t do it because I was doing a show in the West End.”
Reflecting on how fate played its hand, he added: “Luckily, David Jason was available, so my biggest contribution to British culture is not being available!”
Though he missed out on becoming Del Boy, Jim did make an appearance in the beloved sitcom as the crooked copper, Roy Slater.
He mused over the lasting appeal of Only Fools and Horses, stating: “It’s Only Fools and Horses more than anything else and it goes across the generations kids who weren’t even alive when we made it say Slater is their favourite.”
Jim even says he is recognised more for his three episodes in Only Fools and Horses than his Oscar win.
The actor won the Best Supporting Academy Award in 2001 for biographical drama, Iris, which also stars Dame Judi Dench and Kate Winslet.
He quipped on the Gaby Roslin podcast: “I only went in for three episodes, I’m never allowed to forget it.
“I saw one the other day, Class Reunion, and it was on and I sort of hovered by the sofa.
“And then I sat down and watched it right through. It was extraordinary. It’s quite non-PC some of it now. It’s sort of ‘oooh’, it’s 30 years ago.
“But still it’s by far the most recognition I get on the street is for Only Fools.”
Reflecting on what made the sitcom so successful, the actor praised: “It’s really quality writing and performing. Beautifully drawn characters. They fit so well into this comedic structure.
“You care about them, and you laugh at them and with them, and it’s very special what John Sullivan did, pulling it together.”
Only Fools and Horses is available to watch on ITVX and NOW.
