Only Fools and Horses Cast Reflect on Show’s Legacy Ahead of 45th Anniversary

As the beloved British sitcom Only Fools and Horses approaches its 45th anniversary in 2026, cast members are looking back on the show’s enduring appeal and the challenges of revisiting such a cultural touchstone. A modern documentary, Only Fools And Horses: The Lost Archive, is set to air on U&GOLD, featuring previously unseen footage and interviews with the original cast.

Tessa Peake-Jones on Leaving the Classic Untouched

Tessa Peake-Jones, who famously played Raquel Turner, Del Boy’s wife, has expressed her belief that the show is “best left alone.” In an interview with The Express, she described Only Fools and Horses as a “jewel” and cautioned against attempts to reboot or revive the series, stating, “You don’t want to fiddle about with it.”

Peake-Jones praised the show’s creator, John Sullivan, who died in 2011, as “the genius behind the show,” and expressed doubt that the magic could be recaptured. She noted the show’s continued popularity with younger generations, with fans often sharing stories of watching it with their grandparents or parents.

Documentary Offers a Trip Down Memory Lane

Only Fools And Horses: The Lost Archive will feature behind-the-scenes footage and previously unseen material. Peake-Jones admitted that watching the old footage was “quite depressing,” noting how much the cast has aged. “It was a bit like torture to be forced to sit on the sofa and watch this stuff back from 30 years ago, it really was,” she said.

The documentary similarly included a reunion between Peake-Jones and Sir David Jason, who played Del Boy. Peake-Jones noted that Jason found the experience particularly poignant, reflecting on how much younger he appeared in the archival footage. “He said, ‘Isn’t it odd to see yourself looking so much younger?’”

A Lasting Legacy

Only Fools and Horses originally aired from 1981 to 2003 and became known for its iconic phrases, including “This time next year, we’ll be millionaires,” “Lovely jubbly,” and “Cushty.” The show followed the misadventures of Del Boy and Rodney Trotter as they navigated life in Peckham, striving for wealth and success.

Following the original series, John Sullivan penned The Green Green Grass (2005-2009), a spin-off focusing on Boycie and Marlene, and a prequel miniseries, Rock & Chips (2010). A musical adaptation of Only Fools and Horses, co-written by Paul Whitehouse, premiered in 2019 and toured the UK and Ireland in 2024 and 2025.

Sir David Jason Returns for New Documentary

As reported by Archyde and The Independent, Sir David Jason will participate in the 45th-anniversary documentary, offering insights into the show’s creation and enduring popularity. The documentary is scheduled to air in 2026.