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Brits left baffled as Nicholas Lyndhurst joins new Frasier sequel series

The Only Fools and Horses actor will appear alongside Kelsey Grammer in the new iteration of the classic US sitcom

Nicholas Lyndhurst is returning to TV screens with a role in the revived Frasier series on Paramount+. (Getty)
Nicholas Lyndhurst is returning to TV screens with a role in the revived Frasier series on Paramount+. (Getty)

Nicholas Lyndhurst has joined the cast of the Frasier sequel series — and British people are very surprised.

The actor, who is a sitcom legend thanks to his role as Rodney Trotter in Only Fools and Horses, will appear alongside leading man Kelsey Grammer in the Paramount+ show.

Read more: David Jason wants to see Nicholas Lyndhurst more often

Lyndhurst and Grammer previously worked together in the West End cast of Don Quixote musical Man of La Mancha in 2019, but Frasier marks the Brit's first major role in an American sitcom.

In the new iteration of Frasier, Lyndhurst will play university professor Alan Cornwall — described in the official synopsis as "British, boozy and larger than life".

Kelsey Grammer will return to the role of Frasier Crane once again. (NBC/NBCU Photo Bank)
Kelsey Grammer will return to the role of Frasier Crane once again. (NBC/NBCU Photo Bank)

The synopsis, reported via Variety, continues: "Alan has an intellect on par with Frasier’s — if only he ever felt like using it.

"Alan’s mischievous streak might be just what Frasier could use to shake up his routine, while Frasier’s thoughtful guidance might help Alan find some of the direction he’s been missing in his own life."

Read more: Nicholas Lyndhurst says no to Only Fools and Horses revival

Lyndhurst, who denied retiring from acting last year, is a veteran of numerous sitcoms on British TV, including Goodnight Sweetheart and After You've Gone, as well as his most famous role opposite David Jason's Del Boy.

But his move to American screens alongside Grammer surprised and confused many who reacted to the news on Twitter.

The Frasier sequel was announced by Paramount in February 2021, with Grammer immediately confirmed to return in the title role as psychiatrist Frasier Crane.

Having also played the character in the shows Cheers and Wings, it's a role Grammer has been associated with since 1983.

Read more: Looking back at Frasier on its 25th anniversary

The star has been keen on a revival for years, with Paramount+ finally giving the project the green light via writers Chris Harris (How I Met Your Mother) and Joe Cristalli (Life In Pieces).

Its previous incarnation still stands as one of the most successful sitcoms of all time, earning critical acclaim and winning 37 Emmy Awards.

Watch: Kelsey Grammer hints at character returns in new Frasier series