Michael Jayston
◆ Versatile British actor remembered for roles in Only Fools and Horses, Emmerdale and Dr Who
Michael Jayston, actor. Born: 29 October 1935 in Nottingham. Died: 5 February 2024, aged 88
Michael Jayston, who appeared in Only Fools And Horses as the father of Raquel (Tessa Peakejones), love interest of Derek “Del Boy” Trotter (David Jason) in the BBC sitcom, has died.
In the episode Time On Our Hands, Jayston’s character, antiques dealer James, tellsdelboyandhisbrotherrodney(nicholaslyndhurst)thatawatchintheirgarage was made by clockmaker John Harrison and is worth a fortune – leading to an auction where they become millionaires.
A statement from M&M Famous Faces on Monday, on behalf of Jayston’s family, said: “It is with great sadness that I have been asked by his family to share the news Michael Jayston sadly passed away this morning after a short illness.
“Those who knew Michael will know he was full of love, laughs and happiness. He adoredmeetinghisfansallovertheworld.”
Doctor Who star Bonnie Langford paid tribute and shared a photo of herself with the late actor. On X, formerly Twitter, she said: “Just over a week ago I was with this wonderful man.
She added: “We laughed about when this pic was taken and all the joy and jokes we’d shared. So sad he’s gone. So glad he was here.”
In the BBC adaptation of John le Carre’s espionage thriller Tinker Tailor Soldier Spy, Jayston portrayed Peter Guillam, confidant of George Smiley (Sir Alec Guinness).
The series secured nine Bafta nominations in 1980, including best drama, and saw Sir Alec win best actor.
Jayston also portrayed Nicholas II of Russiainthe1970shistoricalfilmnicholasand Alexandra.
The film about the last days of the tsars in Russia and the relationship between the ruler and his wife Alexandra (Dame Janet Suzman) also featured Doctor Who star Tom Baker as Grigori Rasputin and Lord Laurence Olivier.
Jayston also starred as Edward Rochester in a 1970s TV adaptation of Charlotte Bronte’s novel Jane Eyre, and appeared in science fiction series Doctor Who as The Valeyard – an evil character made up of the worst aspects of the Doctor.
He played The Confessor in Roger Crane play The Last Confession opposite David Suchet as Cardinal Benelli at Chichester Festival Theatre in May 2007.
In the ITV soap Emmerdale, from 2007 to 2008, Jayston played the husband of Nicola King (Nicola Wheeler) but his character died within a year of moving to the Yorkshire village.
He also appeared in 1990s ITV police comedy drama The Good Guys with Coronation Street actor Nigel Havers and Call The Midwife actress Jenny Agutter.