Del Boy would be called a perv for pinching my bum
Star says things have gone too far
THE actress who played Marlene in Only Fools And Horses says today’s viewers would want to lock up Del Boy in a world dominated by political correctness.
Sue Holderness starred as the wife of Boycie, played by John Challis, in the 80s sitcom, starring David Jason and Nicholas Lyndhurst.
She said: “The very first episode, Del gave me a big hug, kissed me fondly and pinched my a**e and nobody took any offence at it, except Boycie who looked daggers.
“Every time we met that would happen. It’s fun.”
But Holderness, who is reuniting with Jason in Still Open All Hours, said: “I feel sorry for men now because I don’t know how you cope.
“I don’t think you would get away with Del Boy pinching Marlene’s bottom without everybody saying, ‘He’s a pervert and that shouldn’t be allowed and he should be locked up’.
“A wolf whistle isn’t supposed to be allowed now, which I think is a pity. It has gone too far. “I’m sure it will swing back and we’ll be able to flirt away again.” But she added: “I’m absolutely with the MeToo movement. Of course women should be paid as much as men. “I was paid much, much less than John Challis on Only Fools And Horses, and when we got to the spin-off, The Green Green Grass, the BBC did the decent thing and we got parity.”
Holderness, 69, said working with Jason again felt “like putting on some old slippers” as she appears in the sitcom set in Arkwright’s store.
She added: “It’s like coming home. It’s been the most wonderful job.” ●Still Open All Hours returns on Sunday at 8.30pm on BBC1.