Sir David Jason: Idea of being part of Christmas is ‘terrifying’

Sir David Jason thinks his younger self would be “terrified” by how much he’s a part of so many people’s Christmases.

The veteran actor’s beloved sitcom ‘Only Fools and Horses’ – in which he played Derek ‘Del Boy’ Trotter - was a firm favourite for many households’ TV viewing on 25 December over the years, and the 82-year-old star admitted he loves being a festive fixture, even if the idea is overwhelming.

He said: “If I’d told my younger self that he would be part of so many people’s Christmas, with millions watching me on Christmas Day, he would be terrified.

“First of all, he wouldn’t believe it. And second, I seriously think I would be terrified at the responsibility and the enormity of such a thing. Imagine that as a 16 year old?

“But then, I would say to him, chin up, get on and enjoy it. Which I have. I loved it and I still do.”

David admitted he feels “humbled” by how much the long-running series – which ran from 1981 to 1991 with an additional 16 festive specials until 2003 – means to people, particularly because it was such a joy to work on.

He said in a recent interview: “I find it difficult to believe it that Del Boy and ‘Only Fools and Horses’ are so beloved.

“One gets a bit humbled by it because one has affected so many people and so many people’s lives.

“But I was very fortunate with a great team around me and loved every minute of it.

“That enjoyment, that love of doing what I love doing, the joy I had from being an amateur on stage is still there – and I just think some of it spilled out onto the television screens and into the homes of so many people. I’m delighted to be able to say that.”