Never before seen Only Fools and Horses scene released featuring late star
On the 45th anniversary of the BBC sitcom, TV bosses have released some unseen footage for the first time.
A shelved scene from the beloved BBC sitcom Only Fools and Horses is set to hit the airwaves in the new year. The classic British show, written by John Sullivan, first aired on BBC screens in 1981 and ran for seven series. The long-running show finally came to an end in 2003 after more than 60 episodes and a string of Christmas specials.
It became one of the most beloved comedies in television history, with Sir David Jason’s Del Boy and Nicholas Lyndhurst's Rodney Trotter providing a mix of slapstick, warmth and razor-sharp humour that continues to resonate with viewers 20 years later. Everyone has their favourite slice of Peckham mayhem – from falling through the bars to exploding dolls.
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To celebrate the 45th anniversary of the show, the dynamic duo is back with a bang for a brand-new two-part documentary series, Only Fools and Horses: The Lost Archive. Packed with never-before-seen footage uncovered in the archive from over 10 classic episodes – including fan-favourites like The Jolly Boys’ Outing and Mother Nature’s Son.
The upcoming series will also feature interviews with the cast and crew, including leading man Sir David Jason, Tessa Peake-Jones (who played Raquel), Gwyneth Strong (Cassandra), Sue Holderness (Marlene Boyce), Steven Woodcock (Jevon), and Denis Lill (Alan Parry).
These TV specials unearth long-lost material, behind-the-scenes footage, newly discovered images and clips, which have been digitally scanned and restored from original 16mm negatives.
Further discoveries, which never made it to the original episodes due to timing or structural constraints, include new material from He Ain’t Heavy, He’s My Uncle, Mother Nature’s Son, Time on Our Hands.
Other new clips include an unseen opening scene of Del and Rodney in a nightclub from the episode Class of ‘62, which was previously thought to be lost forever. Another revelation is Bee Gees’ Barry Gibb’s retakes, which cost production hours as Del Boy and Rodney were sent up and down the river to capture the right shot in Miami Twice.
Speaking about the new TV special, Sir David Jason gushed: “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.”
Meanwhile, Helen Nightingale, UKTV’s Head of Factual and Factual Entertainment, Commissioning, said: “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.”
