'Lost episode' of Only Fools and Horses to be broadcast for the first time

A "lost" mini-episode of the classic sitcom Only Fools and Horses will be broadcast for the first time today, it has been confirmed.

Licensed to Drill had been neglected since 1984, when it was shown in UK schools to educate youngsters about crude oil. Produced by the Maureen Oilfield Consortium, it runs for 19 minutes and marked the final on-screen appearance by actor Lennard Pearce, who played Granddad on the long-running series and died shortly after production was completed.

The episode sees Del Boy purchase an oil rig in yet another get-rich-quick scheme. "What colour is it?" asks Grandad. "I don't know what colour it is," Del Boy snaps. "I've not seen it yet. We'll pick it up tomorrow morning."

But once Rodney spots a flaw in his plan to extract oil from beneath Peckham, Del Boy discovers that he's been conned.

While the episode has long been available to watch online, it has never before been shown on television.

Clips from the episode will be broadcast by UKTV Gold tonight as part of The Story of Only Fools and Horses, a behind-the-scenes documentary series featuring all-new footage of actors David Jason and Nicholas Lyndhurst working on the comedy nearly three decades ago, along with new cast interviews.

In one interview, Danny Baker recalls the show's writer John Sullivan complaining about the contrived phrasing he was told to use for the educational mini-episode, forcing in mentions of oil "byproducts" to keep the oil company happy. At one point, Del Boy attempts to lecture his brother on manufacturing:  "Rodney, I'm talking about North Sea Oil and its byproducts – or hydrocarbons, as we like to call them."

UKTV general manager Steve North revealed said: "I am so excited to be working with the Sullivan family to help celebrate Gold's 25th birthday this year, and really delve into the archives one of the most loved shows on the channel. Gold viewers will get a real treat."

The final episode of The Story of Only Fools and Horses is on UKTV Gold on Tuesday October 3 at 8pm, and will also be available on TV streaming service NOW TV.