by Sir David Jason and Nicholas Lyndhurst, the iconic duo known as Del Boy and Rodney Trotter in Only Fools and Horses, were at the center of rumors of an off-screen ‘feud’. Despite their on-screen relationship throughout the show’s 22 years, there have been whispers that the pair have been falling out since they met in the last series and have agreed not to work with each other again.
The beloved actors, who played the merciless market traders, have won praise for their performances in the BBC sitcom. Their last appearance together was during the Christmas special of Only Fools and Horses in 2003.
They briefly reprized their roles as the Trotter brothers in a one-off special in 2014, but Sir David, now 83, has hinted that another reunion is off the cards, saying it won’t happen “ forever”, as the Mirror reports.
‘Squabble’ behind the scenes
David and Nicholas surprised the cast of Only Fools and Horses by putting on a huge set, it is said. Recalling the incident from a shooting incident in 1989, David said: “One day, Nick and I were in a very small caravan on site. We were all tired because nothing was happening like that [we] he said ‘why don’t we make a big row and you can say you’re leaving and I can shout at you saying ‘don’t come back again. I never want to work with you.”
The BAFTA-winning actor continued: “The whole team went stiff. Five minutes later, the producer and the director came to see me, looking scared. They asked what was happening and said I went to see Nick. When they did, I couldn’t stop laughing anymore.
Not as close as they once were
Their stage fight took place at the end of the eighties, but the once-strong bond between David and Nicholas was greatly weakened in the coming years. This was despite previously admitting they are great friends outside of the Only Fools and Horses cast.
David once referred to Nicholas as the perfect co-star in an interview, saying they were “good friends”. Nicholas made his feelings clear in a 2017 interview with Red Carpet News, saying: “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 episodes that recording […] We didn’t have much time to practice it so we had to have a goal.”
But by 2022, the heat between them seemed to have died down. Sir David admitted in an interview that their communication had deteriorated, revealing: “He’s a lot more, how can I say, self-contained, maybe, than he was. So on the Unfortunately, we don’t see each other as much as I’d like. But that’s how things work out sometimes.”
The retreat from public life for Nicholas follows the devastating loss of his son Archie aged just 20 in 2020, who died of a brain haemorrhage from acute lymphoblastic leukaemia. Speaking for himself and his wife Lucy Smith at the time, Nicholas released a heartfelt statement: “Lucy and I are grieving and respectfully ask for privacy.”
Feud Rumors cancelled
Despite the buzz in 2022 suggesting a serious rift between David and Nicholas following the latter’s comments about their waning touch, it appears there has been no major falling out. Reports suggest that David has been supporting his on-screen sister during the difficult time following the tragic death of his son.
After the tragic death of his son Archie at the tender age of 20, David has reportedly been a rock for his former colleague and wife Lucy. A source revealed to The Sun: “He’s [David] in regular contact [with Nicholas] Since then and like everyone else who cares for Nick and his family just trying to provide whatever support he can.”
During a Channel 5 documentary last year celebrating the continued appeal of Only Fools and Horses, David Jason dismissed any speculation of a fallout. He praised Nicholas, saying: “You couldn’t have had a better partner than Nic. We loved and respected each other so much, we were really good friends. You couldn’t have had a better partner. Nic.”
New co-star
Early in the news this year, it was revealed that David would take the opportunity to reprise his role as Derek ‘Del Boy’ Trotter. However, with the loss of John Sullivan, the creator of Only Fools and Horses, a revival seems unlikely.
However, there could be another factor preventing Nicholas’ new career in America from bringing back Only Fools.
Nicholas returned to the spotlight last year after the heartbreaking death of his son in 2020, landing his part in the reboot of the iconic series Frasier. His first appearance in October as Alan Cornwall, a British professor and friend of Frasier, ended with a tribute not only to former stars but also a poignant tribute to his late son.
Archie, best known for his character Ollie in CBBC’s So Awkward and as Luke in the BBC comedy Bad Education, was remembered for his heartfelt tribute to the Frasier reboot.
As the new series premiered, a heartfelt message appeared on screen in memory of Archie, script supervisor Gabrielle James and Frasier legend John Mahoney.
It said: “In loving memory of Gabrielle James and Archie Lyndhurst.”
A moving clip of John, who sadly died in 2018, was then broadcast, with the late actor Martin Crane saying “It all works out.”
The words, spoken in the poignant video clip, seem very fitting considering what the family has been through recently.
Looking ahead to the latest series, lead star Kelsey Grammar spoke fondly of her former Man of La Mancha co-star.
Speaking last year about the reboot, the iconic actor said Deadline: “And then, of course, there is Alan, who was a dear friend of mine, Nick Lyndhurst.”
Painting a picture of their friendship and professional relationship, Kelsey said: “He’s stealth warfare. He’s just the most intelligent and talented actor I’ve ever worked with. We went together in London already on the musical, Man of La Mancha to agree plans [our partners] and without a doubt we became best friends.
“When the concept of Frasier who has a best friend was inspired into the story, it was firmly Nicholas. I asked him back in England before we officially started if he would be open to take part in the new Frasier. To he replied, ‘Are you kidding me? I’d do anything to work with you again any day’ – a sentiment I totally relate to.”
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