National treasure Sir David Jason has declared that the nation's affection for Only Fools and Horses remains as strong as ever, as he reunites with former cast members for a major new documentary project. The beloved actor, famed for his portrayal of wheeler-dealer Derek 'Del Boy' Trotter, made the announcement to coincide with the iconic sitcom's upcoming 45th anniversary.
The Lost Archive: A Treasure Trove of Unseen Gags
The two-part series, titled Only Fools And Horses: The Lost Archive, is set to air on UKTV's Gold channel in 2026. It promises to deliver a goldmine of material that never made it to broadcast, including behind-the-scenes footage and scenes cut from classic episodes due to timing or structural reasons. Sir David, 85, expressed his enthusiasm, stating: "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."
The project has involved a painstaking restoration process. 66 unseen clips and scenes have been digitally scanned and restored from original 16mm negatives, now appearing in high definition for the first time. Series producer Sean Doherty revealed the scale of the find, noting they also uncovered nearly 100 additional assets from rushes and location filming, leaving the team "spoilt for choice."
Cast Reunions and Tributes to John Sullivan
The documentary will feature heartfelt interviews with key cast members, offering a poignant look back at the show's creation. Sir David will be joined by Tessa Peake-Jones (Raquel), Gwyneth Strong (Cassandra), and Sue Holderness (Marlene). Together, they will pay tribute to the show's late creator, the legendary writer John Sullivan, who passed away in 2011 at the age of 64.
Among the specific episodes from which new material will be drawn are fan favourites such as:
- The Jolly Boys' Outing
- Mother Nature's Son
- He Ain't Heavy, He's My Uncle
- Time On Our Hands
Viewers will also be treated to a never-before-seen opening scene of Del and Rodney in a nightclub from the episode The Class Of '62.
A Lasting Legacy in British Culture
First airing on 8 September 1981, Only Fools and Horses became a ratings phenomenon for the BBC and a career-defining show for Sir David Jason and his on-screen brother, Nicholas Lyndhurst (Rodney). The series followed the comic misadventures of the Trotter family in Peckham, dreaming of becoming millionaires. Helen Nightingale, UKTV's head of factual entertainment, aptly described the show as "part of the national DNA" and "British comedy at its very best."
This documentary follows other recent celebrations of the show's legacy, including a successful musical adaptation starring Paul Whitehouse, which toured the UK and Ireland in 2024 and 2025. The discovery of this lost material vindicates comments made in 2022 by actor Michael Fenton Stevens, who recalled that Sullivan habitually wrote about ten minutes more material than was needed per episode, leading to numerous filmed jokes hitting the cutting room floor.
For millions of fans across the UK, Only Fools And Horses: The Lost Archive represents a thrilling opportunity to reconnect with Del Boy, Rodney, Grandad, and the rest of the unforgettable Peckham crew, proving that even after 45 years, this classic comedy still has the power to trigger laughter and nostalgia.
