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Only Fools and Horses cast now - tragic deaths, health battles and career U-turns

Only Fools and Horses first aired in 1981 and has since become one of the most beloved British sitcoms of all time. Here we take a look at what the cast are up to now

[Only Fools and Horses cast now - tragic deaths, health battles and career U-turns]

Only Fools and Horses cast now - tragic deaths, health battles and career U-turns(Image: Getty Images)

Only Fools and Horses holds a cherished spot in the hearts of British comedy aficionados. The enduring sitcom birthed national icons, with stars like David Jason and Nicholas Lyndhurst still celebrated for their comedic prowess long after the show's inception.

The beloved sitcom chronicles the escapades of Del Boy (Sir David) and Rodney Trotter (Lyndhurst), as they hatch plans to strike it rich.

Yet, the programme transcended its plot line, resonating with viewers through its relatable characters and memorable one-liners. It swiftly ascended to become one of Britain's most esteemed comedy series, adored by millions nationwide.

The series garnered a slew of accolades, including nods from BAFTA, the National Television Awards and the Royal Television Society. It clinched the title of Britain's Best Sitcom in a BBC poll.

The cast will forever be lauded for their roles in Only Fools and Horses, with the show continuing to draw both new and loyal fans whenever reruns grace the telly, reports the Liverpool Echo.

We've compiled a list of some of the most unforgettable characters and what became of the actors who portrayed them post-show. Regrettably, some are no longer with us.

David Jason

[Sir David Jason]

Sir David Jason as Del Boy Trotter(Image: BBC)

Sir David Jason portrayed the character of Derek 'Del Boy' Trotter from 1981 to 2003. Other roles that Sir David is renowned for include Detective Inspector Jack Frost in A Touch of Frost, Granville in Open All Hours and Still Open All Hours, and Pop Larkin in The Darling Buds of May.

His most recent acting role was in the reboot of Open All Hours in 2019. Since then, he has been concentrating on voiceover work, particularly in animation, due to challenges with memorising lines.

In 2001, at the age of 61, Sir David became a father when his girlfriend, Gill Hinchcliffe, gave birth to a girl. He and Gill tied the knot in 2005 and reside in Buckinghamshire.

Nicholas Lyndhurst

[Nicholas Lyndhurst is best known for his role as Rodney Trotter]

Nicholas Lyndhurst is best known for his role as Rodney Trotter(Image: BBC)

Nicholas Lyndhurst is best known for his role as Rodney Trotter in Only Fools and Horses. He has also had significant roles in sitcoms such as Gary Sparrow in Goodnight Sweetheart and Raymond Fletcher in Going Straight.

In recent times, Nicholas has featured in the revived American sitcom Frasier, which launched in 2023 and continues to air. Discussing his experience filming stateside, the actor revealed to Radio Times: "I'm just here for the duration of the show and I'll go home to the UK afterwards. But it is absolutely wonderful to be here for now."

Nicholas portrays Alan Cornwall, Frasier's former university mate and academic colleague.

The comedy legend wed partner Lucy Jane Smith, a former ballet dancer, in West Sussex during September 1999. Their sole child, Archie Bjorn Lyndhurst, was born in London on October 2, 2000.

Tragically, their son passed away in his sleep from a brain haemorrhage triggered by acute lymphoblastic leukaemia in 2020. In a heartfelt statement, he expressed that he and his wife were "utterly grief stricken and respectfully request privacy."

Nicholas now leads a peaceful existence in West Sussex alongside his wife. During his downtime, he pursues underwater diving, beekeeping and flying his personal aircraft.

Tessa Peake-Jones

[Tessa Peake-Jones portrayed Raquel Turner in Only Fools and Horses]

Tessa Peake-Jones portrayed Raquel Turner in Only Fools and Horses(Image: Getty Images)

Tessa Peake-Jones portrayed Raquel Turner in Only Fools and Horses. She featured in the programme for 11 years in total, making her debut in 1988 and her final appearance in 2003.

The actress took on the role of Derek Trotter's love interest, having originally joined as a guest performer. The 67 year old boasts an extensive portfolio of acting credits to her name.

Her additional television work spans Bergerac, The Demon Headmaster, Midsomer Murders, Casualty and Holby City. Tessa returned as Mrs Chapman in Grantchester's ninth series, which broadcast in January. The actress has portrayed Mrs Chapman since the programme launched in 2014.

Throughout her time on the BBC sitcom, Tessa was in a lengthy relationship with Douglas Hodge, who portrayed her adult son in a single Only Fools episode. The pair eventually parted ways in 2013 following 29 years together, though they share two children, Charlie and Molly-Rose.

Whilst Tessa has featured across numerous TV programmes, she has taken on various characters throughout her career, including a 2019 appearance on ITV's All Star Musicals, where she demonstrated her vocal abilities performing Abba's Mamma Mia.

Gwyneth Strong

[Rodney and Cassandra, played by Nicholas Lyndhurst and Gwyneth Strong, in Only Fools and Horses]

Gwyneth played the character of Cassandra from 1989 until the show ended in 2003(Image: BBC)

Gwyneth Strong gained recognition for portraying Cassandra Parry in Only Fools and Horses. She depicted Rodney Trotter's girlfriend in the beloved comedy series.

Although her latest television work was in EastEnders back in 2016, she remains active in theatrical productions, recently taking on the role of Mrs. Boyle in the 70th anniversary production of "The Mousetrap".

Additional roles audiences might remember her from include the two-part drama The Missing Postman as WPC Rachel McMahon, the BBC series Real Women from 1997 to 1998, portraying Hetty in ITV's Lucy Sullivan Is Getting Married (1999) and appearing in BBC's Casualty in 2003 as Elizabeth, Jim Brodie's wife. She also featured in the "True Confessions" two-part storyline of the series A Touch of Frost, sharing the screen once again with her Only Fools and Horses co-star David Jason.

Gwyneth wed her long-term partner, former Footballers' Wives actor Jesse Birdsall, in 2000. They share a son, Oscar, born 1988, and a daughter, Lottie who was born 1991.

Paul Barber

Paul Barber was born in Toxteth and featured in numerous episodes of Only Fools and Horses, portraying the character of Denzil Tulser. He frequently became embroiled in Del Boy's money-making ventures.

Given his trusting disposition, Denzil regularly struggled to refuse offers and would end up being swindled by Del.

The performer has also taken on two minor roles in Coronation Street, initially as Nelson in 2004 and later as Billy Arrowsmith in 2008. Paul received an honorary doctorate from Liverpool John Moores University in July 2011 for his 'outstanding contribution to the performing arts'.

He boasts numerous acting credits, featuring in programmes such as To the Manor Born (1979) as a Jamaican steel band musician, Minder (1980) as Willie Reynolds in the episode Don't Tell Them Willie Boy was Here, Boys from the Blackstuff (1982) and as Malcolm in The Front Line.

More recent appearances include playing Fieldhouse in Home from Home in the 2016 pilot episode, returning for the 2018 series. The subsequent year saw him feature in two episodes as Ernest Maxwell, returning to the character in 2019.

He also featured in the 2022 crime action thriller Renegades and takes the lead in the 2024 horror flick The Baby in the Basket.

[Only Fools And Horses Christmas Special 1996 David Jason as Del Boy and Nicholas Lyndhurst as Rodney]

Only Fools And Horses Christmas Special 1996 David Jason as Del Boy and Nicholas Lyndhurst as Rodney(Image: BBC)

Buster Merryfield

Harry 'Buster' Merryfield was most famous for portraying Uncle Albert in Only Fools and Horses. His grandfather dubbed him "Buster" because he tipped the scales at nine pounds when he was born.

Buster turned professional as an actor at 57, having discovered his passion for performing during the Second World War whilst serving as an entertainment officer putting on shows for servicemen.

The character joined the OFAH lineup following Lennard Pearce's death in December 1984, who had played Grandad.

He arrived as Grandad Trotter's estranged younger sibling and became famous for his recurring phrase "During the war..."

The BBC favourite passed away at Poole General Hospital on June 23 1999, following a battle with a brain tumour.

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