Only Fools and Horses star David Jason explains why he turned down ITV
David Jason left embarrassed after road named after him
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The Only Fools and Horses star admitted the role of Ebenezer Scrooge in A Christmas Carol was one he wanted to play. However, he believed actor Alistair Simm would be more suited for the character.
Speaking to Radio Times, he said: “I really wanted to play it, but I just felt honestly that Alastair Sim had done the epitome of how Scrooge should be played.”
Sir David went on to explain turning down the huge ITV role gave him the realisation that the festive season has given him some of the most memorable moments in a television career, which spans 57 years.
The award-winning actor who was given a knighthood for his services to comedy and acting in 2005, first started his festive season career 15 years before he found fame as cockney wheeler and dealer Del Boy Trotter in the acclaimed BBC comedy series Only Fools and Horses.
The actor also starred in the BBC pantomime Mother Goose which was first aired on the channel on Christmas Day in 1965.
Since then David has returned to screens in a number of TV Christmas specials which included three Only Fools and Horses episodes.
He also appeared in two Darling Buds of May specials and not forgetting the Christmas reboot of the ’70’s comedy classic Open All hours which aired on the BBC in 2013.
Of his particular fondness for working over the festive season he joked saying: “I somehow became someone who seemed to have his own reserved parking space in the Christmas issue of the Radio Times.”
The actor is currently promoting his latest book, The Twelve Dels of Christmas, which is the fourth instalment of his memoirs.
The book covers a series of hilarious accounts of his life on the stage and screen as he explores how the Christmas period has played a pivotal part in his career.
He also pays tribute to his time in the iconic role of Derek ‘Del Boy’ Trotter and admits he pines for the former cast members that made the show such a success.
The series, which is currently celebrating its 40th anniversary, arguably helped propel David and the character of Del Boy into becoming a national icon.
“I miss it terribly,” he confirmed. “It wasn’t like going to work; it was going to have some fun with your mates. We loved each other.”
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However, the star admitted not all the cast members have kept in touch with each other over the years.
He expressed sadness he has been unable to maintain a relationship with his onscreen brother Rodney played by actor Nicholas Lyndhurst.
Describing how their friendship has drifted he said: “He’s much more – how can I say? – self-contained, perhaps, than he used to be.
“Unfortunately, we don’t see each other as much as I would like to. But that’s how things work out sometimes.”
Sir David admitted he has a special soft spot for the character of Del Boy and revealed he sometimes slips into character.
He said: “I do morph into Del sometimes to make people laugh. I enjoy it. I realise it’s a pretty low shot, but it makes life easier for me on occasion.
“When I meet people sometimes, they’re a bit stiff and awkward to get on with!”
Read the full interview with Sir David Jason in this week’s Radio Times, out now.
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