Rumours have circulated about a potential disagreement between Sir David Jason and Nicholas Lyndhurst, known for their roles as Del Boy and Rodney Trotter in the popular comedy series Only Fools and Horses. Despite their on-screen chemistry spanning over two decades, speculation suggests that the two may have had a falling out since their last joint appearance on the show leading them to not collaborate again.
The revered actors, known for their portrayals of the wily market traders, have garnered praise for their roles in the beloved BBC sitcom. Their final shared screen time was in the festive Christmas special of Only Fools and Horses in 2003. While they briefly revisited their characters as the Trotter brothers in a one-time special in 2014, Sir David, now 83, has made it clear that another reunion is out of the question, affirming to the Mirror that it “will never happen”.
Only Fools Stars had a “Similar approach”
In interviews over the years, the pair affirmed their friendship and mutual admiration of each other. Several times, David praised Nicholas as the “ideal co-star.” Nicholas shared their connection and similarity in a 2017 chat with Red Carpet News, stating: “We had a very similar work ethic and ethos – that we wanted to do our best as quickly as possible. You didn’t have very long to record an episode […] We didn’t have much time to rehearse it so we had to have each other’s back.”
However, by 2022, it seemed that the closeness between them had faded. Sir David admitted in an interview that their communication had decreased, disclosing: “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’d like to. But that’s how things work out sometimes.”
Following the tragic loss of his son Archie at the young age of 20 in 2020, Nicholas Lyndhurst retreated from public life. Archie’s passing, resulting from a brain haemorrhage induced by acute lymphoblastic leukaemia, left Nicholas and his wife, Lucy Smith, devastated. In a poignant statement, Nicholas expressed their profound grief and appealed for privacy: “Lucy and I are overwhelmed with sorrow and kindly ask for space to mourn.”
Lyndhurst and Jason still talk despite rumours
Despite the 2022 speculation about a significant divide between David and Nicholas following the latter’s remarks on their diminished communication, it seems there was no substantial fallout. Sources suggest that David has been providing support to his on-screen sibling during the challenging time following the heartbreaking loss of his son.
David stepped up as a pillar of strength for his former colleague and his wife, Lucy, following the heartbreaking loss of their son. A close source disclosed to The Sun: “He’s [David] been in regular touch [with Nicholas] ever since and like everyone else who cares for Nicholas Lyndhurst and his family is just trying to provide whatever support he can.”During a Channel 5 documentary last year that celebrated the enduring appeal of Only Fools and Horses, David Jason quashed any speculation of a falling out. He lavished praise on Nicholas, saying: “You couldn’t have had a better co-partner than Nic. We liked and respected each other so much we were genuinely good friends. You couldn’t have had a better co-partner than Nic.”
OFAH remake appears highly unlikely
Earlier this year, it came to light that David expressed eagerness to revisit his iconic portrayal of Derek ‘Del Boy’ Trotter. However, following the unfortunate passing of Only Fools and Horses creator John Sullivan, the prospect of a revival appears unlikely.
Another factor could prevent an Only Fools comeback from Nicholas’ growing career in America.
Nicholas Lyndhurst made a surprise return to the public eye last year by joining the cast of the iconic Frasier reboot. His debut in October saw him portraying Alan Cornwall, a British professor and friend of Frasier. It concluded with a heartfelt tribute not only to the show’s past stars, but also as a poignant homage to his late son.