Sir David Jason will look back at his prestigious television career in two new documentary specials, one of which will focus on his long-running sitcom Only Fools And Horses.
Sir David said he feels it is right to “give an accurate insight into how the show was put together”.
The actor, 76, will front five-part special The Story Of Only Fools And Horses in addition to David Jason: My Life On Screen, a three-part series revisiting his decades-long career.
(Yui Mok/PA)
Sir David said: “It has taken a lot of persuasion for me to take part in an official documentary about Only Fools And Horses.
“But, as time has gone on, it seems to have been imprinted in television history and I thought it was only right that I tried to give an accurate insight into how the show was put together.
“In doing so, I hope we can create a definitive programme which appeals to the many fans which have been the stalwarts of the show and are growing with the next generation. It should be fun!”
The TV special has been billed as the definitive story of Britain’s best-loved TV family, which centred around Sir David’s leading character Derek “Del Boy” Trotter and his brother Rodney, played by Nicholas Lyndhurst.
(PA)
The popular series ran from 1981 until 1991 and spawned a number of Christmas specials in the years following.
My Life On Screen will see Sir David, for the first time, speak openly about his life as an actor, his experiences and those who inspired him.
Sir David, whose other TV triumphs include A Touch Of Frost, said: “As my life on screen has now gathered variety and quantity, I am hoping that I can offer a documentary which gives the audience an accurate range of my work.
“Fingers crossed, it should make for an enjoyable programme to reflect the enjoyment I’ve had in making each and every show.”
(Yui Mok/PA)
The TV tributes to the acting veteran have been commissioned by multi-channel broadcaster UKTV and will air on Gold to celebrate the channel’s 25th anniversary this year.
Steve North, general manager of the comedy channel, said: “I am so excited to be working with Sir David Jason to help celebrate Gold’s 25th birthday this year, and really delve into one of the most loved shows and actors on the channel.”
He said viewers will get “a real treat from both series, and I personally can’t wait to get to know more about the man behind some of our best performing comedies.”
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