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Sir David Jason's emotional reaction to Only Fools and Horses reunion revealed

Tessa Peake-Jones has opened up about her former co-star, Sir David Jason's, response after 66 unseen clips were discovered in BBC archives.

[Only Fools and Horses]

The legendary BBC sitcom aired from 1981 until 2003(Image: PA)

Sir David Jason, 85, had a "poignant" response during the Only Fools and Horses reunion. The actor, best known for his role as Del Boy in the iconic sitcom that first aired in 1981, returned to celebrate the 45th anniversary of the legendary BBC show.

The series, which ran for seven seasons over a decade before returning intermittently for Christmas specials from 1991 until 2003, will see David reunite with co-stars such as Gwyneth Strong, Sue Holderness, and Tessa Peake-Jones, who joined the series as Raquel Turner, the mother of Del Boy's child.

In the upcoming special, viewers will be treated to previously unseen footage discovered at the BBC, with the stars' reactions captured on camera.

[Tessa Peake-Jones]

Tessa Peake-Jones revealed David Jason's reaction when he reunited with his Only Fools co-star(Image: Ken McKay/ITV/Shutterstock)

Actress Tessa, also known for her role as Mrs. Maguire in ITV's Grantchester, appeared on Wednesday's Lorraine (January 14 ), where she discussed why the footage had been originally cut and shared David's "quite depressing" thoughts on the matter, reports the Mirror.

Speaking to guest host Christine Lampard, she revealed: "They found unseen footage in a drawer at the BBC and they've put together two or three episodes. Cut scenes, some of it are scenes were things went wrong. They put it all together and got us to watch the various scenes. It was very odd though, and David Jason was very, very poignant about it all.

"There was one bit he watched and he said 'Oh we were so young and successful back then,' so it was quite depressing. But I know what he meant, seeing yourself decades ago, it was peculiar."

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Tessa added: "Some of it, we didn't remember because it was cut and David said it was cut because it wasn't funny. Some of it was quite long scenes that were sad or moving and I think in the general run of the whole thing when editing, they thought it just wasn't funny enough so it got cut. But people are going to see it now!"

[David Jason in Only Fools and Horses: The Lost Archive]

David Jason says love for Only Fools 'never faded' as he announces new series

Only Fools And Horses: The Lost Archive will showcase behind-the-scenes clips alongside material that the series producer described as "filmed but never broadcast".

Unveiling the fresh UKTV documentary series, Sir David, 85, whose television sibling Rodney was portrayed by Nicholas Lyndhurst, revealed: "The love for Only Fools has never faded. It's incredible to see how many people still hold it close to their hearts.

"Revisiting these rediscovered moments reminded me just how special the show was - and still is. It's incredible to be able to share them now."

Sean Doherty, director and series producer, commented: "Few shows have the kind of enduring popularity that Only Fools enjoys.

[Only Fools and Horses]

Sir David Jason starred as Del Boy, who was always trying any scheme he could to get rich quick

"The archive has uncovered some extraordinary material - 66 unseen clips and scenes so far that were filmed but never broadcast because they didn't fit the timing or structure of the original episodes, plus nearly 100 assets from rushes and location filming. We've truly been spoilt for choice."

Helen Nightingale, UKTV's head of factual and factual entertainment, commissioning, remarked: "Only Fools And Horses is part of the national DNA.

"With its humour, heart and unforgettable characters, it's British comedy at its very best. This series is a celebration of its legacy and a chance to share new discoveries with the fans who've loved it for decades."

In 2019, a musical adaptation of Only Fools And Horses, featuring Paul Whitehouse, debuted at the Theatre Royal Haymarket and embarked on a tour across the UK and Ireland in 2024 and 2025.

The two-part series Only Fools and Horses: The Lost Archive will be broadcast on UandGOLD in 2026.

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