Sir David Jason wondered whether Jay Blades was 'not quite right in the head'

Only Fools and Horses star, Sir David Jason has revealed that he questioned whether The Repair Shop's Jay Blades 'was not quite right in the head' after he made a bizarre request.

As the comedy star opened up about his life in his recently released autobiography, he recalls how after years without any work, he made a return to our screens on Christmas Day 2021. At least his iconic character Derek Trotter did.

As is custom for the hit BBC show every year, in 2021 Strictly Come Dancing was set to air its yearly Christmas Day special with a whole host of celebrities, young and old set to feature. Sir David received an unexpected call from producers to ask whether Blades could perform to the backdrop of the famous Only Fools and Horses theme music, as he was a massive fan of the show.

The 84-year-old, who was left shocked by the odd request, wrote: "My first reaction was: he's possibly not quite right in the head. My second reaction was: I should definitely agree to send him a message of encouragement, via video, that the show can use on the night."

In fitting with Strictly Come Dancing style, Blades was also dressed as Del Boy from head to toe as he danced alongside Luba Mushtuk, and Sir David admitted that he didn't know how the performance was going to go: "I mean, dancing to 'Hooky Street'? Dressed as Del Boy? This was going to be either the world's biggest ever victory over the odds, or the greatest disaster in the history of televised pro-celebrity ballroom dancing since Ann Widdecombe did the samba."

Many Strictly fans down the years have suggested that David should put his dancing skills to the test on the show, but he claimed that he has never been invited onto the main show.

However, he did reveal that he was in fact contacted by the Strictly team to see whether he would be willing to take part in their 2012 Christmas special, but he declined.

Blades and Sir David were together again earlier this year for David and Jay's Touring Toolshed, a 15-part restoration series on BBC Two.

Blades is set to appear at Worcester Crown Court tomorrow (Friday, October 11) charged with one count of engaging in controlling or coercive behaviour relating to his wife Lisa Zbozen.