“There’s a lot of pressure playing Del Boy”

Tom BENNETT plays Del Boy. He has starred in TV series including Foyle’s War and Midsomer Murders.

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. It’s eight shows a week, singing and dancing, and I barely leave the stage. there’s a lot of pressure.

I found out I’d got the part at the end of my train journey back to brighton, having done the final audition. I’d phoned my mum, wife and agent saying “I don’t think I got it.” by the time I got off the train I had another call from my agent telling me I had.

I love wearing Del boy’s outfits. the sheepskin coat, the cap, the medallion, his rings. 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.