LOVELY JANGLY!
Del Boy’s bling is weighing me down
THE new Del Boy is struggling to cope with the weight of the wheeler dealer’s jewellery.
Tom Bennett takes over Sir David Jason’s sheepskin and flat cap when Only Fools And Horses The Musical starts in the West End tonight.
Tom, 39, who previously starred in the David Brent movie Life On The Road, said: “I’m not used to having all this weight on my hand so I’m constantly shifting rings, bracelets and watches, which is what Del Boy does.
“If you watch the TV series he is never still, he’s constantly moving, adjusting, fixing, finding things to look at.
“I have to nail those mannerisms. I love wearing Del Boy’s outfits. The sheepskin coat, the cap, the medallion, his rings.” Sir David will not be in the audience for the opening night at the Theatre Royal Haymarket but he has given the new production – and Tom – his blessing.
Now the new Derek Trotter, who stars alongside newcomer Ryan Hutton as Rodney and comedy legend Paul Whitehouse, 60, as Grandad, hopes he does not look like a plonker.
He said: “Del Boy is the most beloved TV character of all time so it’s quite an undertaking. There’s only ever been one Del Boy, Sir David Jason, so I’m going to have to work harder than I’ve ever worked.”
Dianne Pilkington, 43, who plays Del’s partner Raquel, revealed her jitters, saying: “I think nerves get worse as you get older.
“If I feel terrified before going on stage I have a word with myself and that gets me through.”