TV Shows We Love: Only Fools and Horses

British TV series Only Fools and Horses is comedy gold, and so many years later it’s still really, really funny.

Set in Peckham in south east London, many of the scenes take place in the family’s modest high rise flat.

The main character Derek ‘Del Boy’ Trotter, played superbly by David Jason, lives with his younger brother Rodney ‘Rodders’ Trotter, played by Nicolas Lyndhurst. Grandad (Lennard Pearce) appeared in the first three series until his death in 1984 and Uncle Albert (Buster Merryfield) took up residence after that.

The actors bring their larger than life characters to the screen with aplomb, the timing and delivery are comedy perfection. Seven series were originally broadcast on the BBC from 1981 to 1991, in addition to 16 Christmas specials.

The series holds the record for the highest UK audience share for a sitcom episode, attracting a whopping 24.3 million viewers.

Del, quick witted, full of charm and charisma, is a tactless but likeable market trader who would sell you anything, even the shirt of his brother’s back; all with a spin, a grin and a hilarious faux pas.

His penchant for slipping in a ‘French’ word or two into his dialogue, never with the correct pronunciation or meaning, is both excruciating and endearing. This delivered as he puffs on a large cigar, a cheap gold bracelet jangling on his wrist, as he smooths down his favourite camel coat.

“This time next year, we’ll be millionaires Rodney,” and ‘Rodney, you plonker,” are favourite phrases.

Younger brother Rodney, who is as tall, lanky and fair as Del is short and dark, is the polar opposite of his older brother.

Full of ideals, dreams and ‘principles’, he is naive and gullible, mostly slow on the uptake, providing the perfect comedy side kick.

Proud to possess two GCSEs, and raised by his older brother, Rodney is often the butt of Del’s jokes and dreams of greater independence.

Only Fools and Horses is iconic, part of British culture and boasts episodes you want to watch again and again.

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