Only Fools and Horses star calls for 'controversial' banned episode to be brought back

Sue Holderness, acclaimed for her iconic portrayal of Marlene in Only Fools and Horses, has declared the current sitcom landscape lacks shows that match up to the comedy classic and suggests that modern writers are holding back for fear of offence, leading to a drop in laughter levels.

Regarding the hurdles faced by contemporary sitcom creators, she admitted: "I think it must be terribly difficult, because I mean part of the fun, especially with satire, you rely on being filthily rude about everybody and everything, don't you, which is what makes people laugh."

She continued: "And now you say the slightest thing is going to upset people, because this whole online thing is new, isn't it? When we were making Only Fools And Horses, there was no social media. It didn't exist. So people couldn't get worked up and wild about tiny little things."

Concluding, she stated emphatically: "So yes, I do think it's very difficult. And I think already we're seeing signs that comedy isn't as funny as it used to be. Let's hope it's going to change. Let's hope that somehow we can work out that people don't actually get offended quite as easily as they think they do."

Sue also acknowledged the discomfort with certain Only Fools and Horses episodes that some advocate should no longer be broadcast or contain jokes that need removal to better reflect current times, reports the Mirror.

However, she's a staunch advocate for the sitcom. She told the Only Fools and Horses Podcast: "Very little in Only Fools is offensive to anybody, I think.

"It's the love of family that is so overwhelming. He [Del] looked after Grandad, he looked after Uncle Albert. He made sure always that they were fed and clothed and loved them.

"It's so lovely that there is so much love out there still for the show. And I think that's part of the reason for that. You know, this family, though his business dealings weren't always absolutely as they should be, but you know, they don't drink and drive, they don't take drugs, they don't swear. It's gorgeous family entertainment. We miss it. Nothing is quite like that anymore."

While one controversial episode, From Prussia with Love, which involves Del Boy trying to sell an unwanted baby to the childless duo, Boycie and Marlene, has been pulled from broadcasting due to its sensitive content, Sue contends it ranks among the most poignant episodes ever and advocates for its broadcast.

She declared: "It's a very controversial episode now because everybody's being so careful about what they say about everything. There have been many people who have said they don't want to see that episode anymore or suggested that maybe you shouldn't see that episode.

"But when I say many people, it's probably about three."