Real reason David Jason almost quit Only Fools and Horses

Only Fools and Horses almost came to an abrupt end after Sir David Jason planned to quit the role of Del Boy Trotter. The hit BBC series dominated screens across the UK during its unforgettable run from 1981 until 2003, consisting of seven series and 16 Christmas specials. With Sir David Jason, 85, starring in the iconic role of Del Boy, Nicholas Lyndhurst playing Rodney Trotter and Buster Merryfield as Uncle Albert, the sitcom quickly rose to prominence. The main stars were catapulted to fame, so much so that it's a role Sir David can't escape today. But fans were almost robbed of two series and several Christmas episodes as the British icon almost bid farewell to the character at the end of season five in 1986.

A pivotal episode from the fifth series, Who Wants to Be a Millionaire, teased Del Boy with the realistic prospect of becoming a millionaire. Jumbo Mill's offer to manage his successful Australian used car business was both a thrilling opportunity and, at the time, nearly marked David Jason's last outing as the iconic character. Del Boy had secured a place for Rodney and Uncle Albert (Buster Merryfield) and accepted the offer before informing his family. However, his plan hit a snag when Albert expressed his wish to spend his final days in Peckham, and Rodney's criminal past obstructed his journey.

Initially, Del Boy was resolved to go ahead despite having to leave his family behind, but when he picked up the phone to confirm, he declined, stating that blood is thicker than water.

The script was written with David Jason in mind as an ending for Del Boy, leaving his brother Rodney and friend Mickey Pearce (Patrick Murray) to carry on the legacy.

This episode was meant to be the finale of Only Fools and Horses, with a reported spin-off series envisioned where Rodney and Mickey would take over the company known as Hot-Rod.

Fortunately for fans of the show, two more seasons of Only Fools followed. It is believed that Sir David planned to quit the show as he wanted to focus on other projects.

The actor has openly admitted to often sensing the "ghost" of his iconic character lingering around him, expressing annoyance that despite a career spanning multiple decades in film and TV, he remains most identified with Del Boy.

He previously explained: "My real disappointment or regret, if you like, is I always wanted to be a National Theatre player. I always wanted to be on the stage of the National Theatre. It was just that romantic image of playing those big productions with all those big, wonderful actors. That never happened."

Reflecting on the enduring nature of his role, Sir David confessed it "upsets him slightly" that Del Boy is the only role that people remember him for.

He added: "I'm delighted in one way that it's reached so many people and they've enjoyed what I've done with the character, but I've done so many other things that everybody seems to have forgotten about. It's like I've only ever played Derek Trotter."