...says David Jason

Only Fools and Horses creator John Sullivan was working on another comeback for Del Boy at the time of his death, star David Jason has revealed.

The series ended in 1991, but it was followed by ten Christmas specials, until 2003.

But the actor said the sitcom was still so popular that Sullivan wanted to bring it back for at least another special, based around Del’s 65th birthday.

And he said that he – and the rest of the cast – would have been up for the reunion.

‘About four years ago, perhaps less, I got a message from John Sullivan and Gareth Gwenlan, who was the producer,’ Sir David told Radio 4’s Media Show. ‘John wanted to do another Christmas special with perhaps an episode or so afterwards

‘The idea of it was Del’s 65th birthday. That was his premise. There was nothing else said. He just wanted to know what I felt. Well, I know Sullivan. I know how he wrote. I just said, “John, You write it and I’ll do it.” I know all of the rest of the team couldn’t wait to get back.’

But Sullivan died of viral pneumonia in April last yea at the age of 64, before the script could come to fruition. ‘Unfortunately things took a turn,’ Sir David said. ‘I knew he was working on it, but it didn’t come about.’

Published: 28 Dec 2012