FACT FILE

The sitcom was not initially a hit with viewers when the first series was aired in 1981. The BBC did in fact consider terminating the show. But they commissioned a second series due to their principle of giving every sitcom at least two seasons. Del’s famous ‘lovely jubbly’ catchphrase was an advertising slogan for a frozen orange drink that was sold in the Fifties and Sixties. John Sullivan believed it was something Del Boy would pick up on and use to express ‘something good’. Writer John Sullivan sang the show’s theme tune. He wanted Chas and Dave for the role, but they had hit the big time with Ain’t No Pleasing You and were no longer available. Chas and Dave did later perform Down to Margate for an episode. David Jason kept some Only Fools and Horses memorabilia afte he finished filming the show He later said: ‘I’ve got a couple of bottles of Peckham Spring Water. I’ve also got cast and crew T-shirts and one of Del’s flat caps.