‘Lovely jubbly’, ‘plonker’ and an ever increasingly bizarre use of the French language – it could only be one programme.
Only Fools And Horses, the BBC sitcom about two south-east London market trader brothers, won its away into the nation’s hearts as soon as it hit our screens in 1981.
Created by the inimitable late John Sullivan, it starred Sir David Jason as Derek ‘Del Boy’ Trotter and Nicholas Lyndhurst as his little brother Rodney.
And the pair were joined in Peckham by a host of beloved supporting characters, including Grandad (Lennard Pearce) and Uncle Albert (Buster Merryfield).
As one of the most iconic British sitcoms of all time, running for seven series until 2003, its stars were bound to become the stuff of acting legend.
It means when a fan recently revealed online what David, 85, was really like in person, keen Only Fools viewers jumped at the chance to find out.
Only Fools And Horses (pictured), the BBC sitcom about south-east London market traders, won its away into the nation’s hearts as soon as it hit our screens in 1981
Created by the inimitable late John Sullivan, it starred Sir David Jason as Derek ‘Del Boy’ Trotter and Nicholas Lyndhurst as his little brother Rodney (pictured)
When a fan recently revealed online what David (pictured on Lorraine in May), 85, was really like in person, keen Only Fools viewers jumped at the chance to find out
They posted on discussion site Reddit: ‘My mate’s dad was good friends with David and used to run a B&B in Weston-super-Mare.
‘Over the years, “Uncle David” would pop by now and then and my mate would also see him at family gatherings and events.’
David has had an illustrious career outside Only Fools too.
He has starred variously in detective series A Touch Of Frost, grocery shop sitcom Open All Hours and fifties-set family life comedy The Darling Buds of May.
But it is ambitious Cockney Del Boy, known for his catchphrase, ‘This time next year, we’ll be millionaires!’, who seemed to capture the user’s family the most.
They continued: ‘As you can imagine, whenever he showed up, people couldn’t resist asking him to “do a bit of Del Boy”.
‘He always politely declined, until one unforgettable occasion. After a bit of friendly badgering, David finally gave in.
‘My mate said he took a deep breath and in that moment, everything about him changed – his posture, his expression, even the way he stood.
They posted on discussion site Reddit: ‘My mate’s dad was good friends with David and used to run a B&B in Weston-super-Mare’
They continued: ‘As you can imagine, whenever he showed up, people couldn’t resist asking him to “do a bit of Del Boy”‘. Pictured: David and Nicholas as Del Boy and Rodney
The heartwarming anecdote shows the funny, nice man David (pictured, at the premiere of the Only Fools And Horses musical last year) is off as well as on screen – perhaps putting paid to the idea you should never meet your heroes
‘It was like Del Boy had walked into the room. For the next 20 minutes, Del Boy was the life of the party, giving everyone a performance they’d never forget.’
The heartwarming anecdote shows the funny, nice man David is off as well as on screen – perhaps putting paid to the idea you should never meet your heroes.
But fans might have to cough up a hefty sum to do so at an upcoming fan event.
David is set to appear at the Only Fools and Horses Appreciation Society Convention in Milton Keynes in October.
It has been revealed, though, that the price for tickets for a professional photo opportunity with the actor in the Trotter flat set starts at an eye-watering £350.
Any fans who want a signed photo mount and dinner as well as the image will have to find an astonishing £550 for the so-called ‘platinum’ tickets.
Despite the premium price tag, no selfies or autographs will be allowed.
The event’s website reads: ‘Due to time constraints, Sir David will not be signing any items across the convention weekend.
But fans might have to cough up a hefty sum to do so at an upcoming fan event. Pictured: David, Nicholas and Buster as Del Boy, Rodney and Uncle Albert on Only Fools And Horses
David (pictured on This Morning in 2018) is set to appear at the Only Fools and Horses Appreciation Society Convention in Milton Keynes in October
‘We kindly ask you do not bring anything to attempt Sir David to sign as it will not be permitted. We will have staff on call to ensure this in fairness to everyone.
‘There will be NO “selfies” with Sir David Jason.
‘Selfies are left to the discretion of the other guest actors, although most are very happy to pose for a photograph if asked politely.’
It comes after Only Fools fans recently had another amazing revelation about David.
Even the staunchest observers have only just realised the TV legend, born David John White in 1941, has an older brother who is also a famous actor.
Arthur White, 91, starred next to his brother in several episodes of A Touch of Frost where he played PC Ernie Trigg in the police crime drama.
He also appeared briefly along with his brother in two episodes of The Darling Buds of May back in 1991.
In 2008, he worked with David again on the comic fantasy The Colour of Magic where he played a character called Rerpf.
It comes after even the staunchest observers only just realised the TV legend (pictured on This Morning last year), born David John White in 1941, has an older brother who is also a famous actor
Arthur White, 91, starred next to his brother in several episodes of A Touch of Frost where he played PC Ernie Trigg in the police crime drama. Pictured: Arthur and David on A Touch Of Frost
He also appeared briefly along with his brother in two episodes of The Darling Buds of May back in 1991. Pictured: The brothers on A Touch Of Frost
In other work, Arthur appeared in time travel sitcom Goodnight Sweetheart in 1996.
The series also starred his brother’s Only Fools co-star Nicholas, who played Del Boy’s brother Rodney, in the lead role of Gary Sparrow.
From 1995 to 2001, Arthur starred in the ITV fire service workplace drama London’s Burning, before appearing in police procedural Heartbeat.
He has also been seen on a episode of Holby City in 2016, in which he played the part of Sidney Bickton.
His other television credits include include Doctors, Family Affairs, Grange Hill, The Professionals and many more roles dating back to the 1950s.
More recently, Arthur featured in 13 Hours That Saved Britain, a documentary which delves into the events of the Battle of Britain.
In the film, he shared his personal experiences of living in London through World War Two and residing in the capital during the Blitz.
