Only Fools and Horses icon Sir David Jason nearly quit the series during its prime
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Sir David Jason, the legendary actor from Only Fools and Horses, shared why he almost quit the beloved show when it was at its peak. The 84-year-old actor played Derek 'Del Boy' Trotter on the BBC sitcom which aired from 1981 to 1991, with several Christmas specials until it concluded in 2003. However, there could have been a completely different ending for David's character as he considered leaving the show in 1986.
John Sullivan, the head writer, penned a potential final episode titled Who Wants To Be A Millionaire as David pondered over his exit. The episode did air that year, but it nearly had a completely different conclusion. It introduced a character named Jumbo Mills who returns to Peckham after supposedly striking it rich in Australia.
The original plan was for Jumbo to entice Del to join him in Australia to make his fortune, giving David a chance to take a break while setting up the series to continue without him. Producers were reportedly considering making Nicholas Lyndhurst the lead of a new version of the show titled Hot Rod, focusing on his character Rodney.
As per The Sun, David decided to stick with the series, with the episode ending with Del turning down Jumbo's enticing offer to relocate Down Under. David Jason opened up about the enduring shadow of his iconic character, Del Boy, from Only Fools and Horses.
