Yahoo News Les Dennis to play Grandad in 'Only Fools And Horses' musical
Les Dennis is joining the cast of the Only Fools And Horses musical as Grandad and said he "can't wait".
The former Family Fortunes host has bagged the part - which was played by Lennard Pearce in the original sitcom - as the show extends its West End run.
He will take up the role in October, replacing Andy Mace who currently plays the much-loved character.
“I am so excited to be playing Grandad in Only Fools And Horses The Musical," said the actor and comedian, who has been in several stage shows including Chicago and Me And My Girl.
“Like everyone else, I would tune in weekly to watch the hilarious exploits of the Trotters and would laugh and cry in equal measure.
"It was both funny and touching."
Dennis, 68, went on: “I can’t wait to join the hugely talented cast and be a part of it. Lovely jubbly.”
The musical is based on the hit television series, which was written by John Sullivan and ran from 1981 to 2003.
It followed market trader Del Boy (Sir David Jason) and his brother Rodney (Nicholas Lyndhurst) as they tried to get rich, and regularly tops polls as one of the greatest British sitcoms ever made
The series was later adapted into a musical by writer Paul Whitehouse and Sullivan’s son Jim, because he wanted to fulfil his dad's wishes for it to be a stage production.
Dennis said the pair had penned a "wonderful show that beautifully recreates that feel-good era of British comedy".
He takes up his role on 3 October.
Read more: Sir David Jason says it's 'a shame' TV bosses are focusing on drama over comedy
The show is extending its run at the Theatre Royal Haymarket for a further three months until January 7.
Additional reporting from PA.
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